So which Cabinet Minister also supported Clint Rickards

The Government is having an inquiry into the Deputy Commissioner of Police because he was a friend and supporter of Clint Rickards, who was accused of rape.

The argument seems to be that supporting Rickards was such a bad thing to do, it makes him unsuitable to be appointed by the Prime Minister as Deputy Police Commissioner.

Well if that is the case, well what does this story from 2009 mean:

In an interview with broadcaster Willie Jackson and aired today on Radio Waatea, Mr Rickards listed his backers as including Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples and Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.

“I’ve certainly received support from Nanaia Mahuta – Nanaia has been very supportive and I’m thankful to her for that,” he said.

Does this mean the Government also needs an inquiry into the decision of the Prime Minister to appoint Nanaia Mahuta?