The Social Development Minister is refusing to comment on revelations she took in her daughter's gang-member boyfriend while he was on bail on violence charges.
The Prime Minister's office has confirmed the minister, Paula Bennett's, connection to Viliami Halaholo.
He is now in prison for causing grievous bodily harm and has been a member of the Auckland youth gang, Thugs of Canal.
Halaholo is the father of Ms Bennett's 2-year-old granddaughter and the partner of her 21-year-old daughter.
Ms Bennett won't comment on revelations she housed Halaholo while he was on bail on charges of causing grievous bodily harm and damaging with intent to steal or extort.
A spokesperson for Ms Bennett says she is very protective of her family, and does not want their private life to be made public.
She is said to have housed Halaholo in 2006-7.
Prime Minister John Key says he has full confidence in Ms Bennett, even though she had failed to reveal her connection to Viliami Halaholo.
He says Ms Bennett had not told him about the connection before taking her cabinet post, but says the revelation has not altered his faith in her.
Mr Key says he's sure Paula Bennett will continue to carry out her ministerial duties extremely well.
Ms Bennett became a national list MP in September 2005, and took on the role of Social Development Minister after the National Party became the government late last year.
