However, former senior MP Maurice Williamson has criticised the announcement, which came after the party's board nominations had closed, saying it reeks of the "old boys network".
Nanaia Mahuta's family members are under investigation.
It comes as three of her family members, including her husband Gannin Ormsby, were appointed to Māori advisory rōpū on waste management.
The other family members are part of the Ormsby family, and Mahuta was described as the pair's aunty in another contract application.
Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.
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