A high-profile gang member with a domestic violence conviction is playing a key role within the Royal Commission of Inquiry into state abuse, despite one woman going to police over safety fears.
Māori justice campaigner Paora Moyle says two women, including a state abuse survivor, approached the Commission in recent months to express fears over the behaviour of Mongrel Mob member Harry Tam.
One of the women also approached police. RNZ has agreed not to release any more details about her case.
The other is Mr Tam's former long-term partner Charlotte Mildon who told the Commission about Mr Tam using what she called stand-over tactics against her.
He's previously been issued with a Police Safety Order to stay away from Ms Mildon for four days after a domestic incident, reported to police in July 2017.
Mr Tam is the director of policy and research at the Commission and plays a leadership role on the Inquiry's Survivors Advisory Group.
Paora Moyle told RNZ reporter Michael Hall she has decided she has to speak out.
RNZ asked the Royal Commission questions regarding the nature of Mr Tam's involvement and the way it had handled complaints but received only a stock reply, outlining its role as an organisation. It declined to answer any questions.
