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Christine Rankin -
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Controversial Families Commissioner Christine Rankin has been warned again by the Prime Minister to avoid actively campaign against the Child Discipline Bill.
The controversy arose after Rankin gave an interview with Investigate Magazine, where she claimed that the law wasn't working and was traumatising innocent parents.
Those comments directly contradicted the view of the very commission she works for and earlier John Key warned her about campaigning against the bill.
Now questions are being asked if she can still front up the Families Commission if she doesn't even support what the organisation believes.
But the government seems relaxed about her comments.
"Look, I think that when she's speaking as a Families Commissioner, then she's with them on what they're doing. But I think she's entitled to her view and as long as she's not actively campaigning against the Commission and what they believe, she's allowed to put a view forward," Social Development Minister Paul Bennett said.
And Bennett adds, she's been warned to tread carefully.
"She's certainly been made very clear that we do not expect her to be actively campaigning on the NO vote".
The minister was referring to the upcoming referendum on smacking.
But questions are being asked as to what is defined as 'active campaigning' as it seems giving interviews condemning the law is ok.
"If she was actively out there marching in the streets, leading others, then I think that would be inappropriate," says Key.
Jan Pryor, Chief Families Commissioner, says while her comments in the interview may confuse some people, 'I think she's being very clear when she does talk to media that she isn't speaking as a commissioner'.
Since the interview, Rankin hasn't made any comments. Some think that's something she should do more often.
"I think keeping your mouth shut would be the best instance to follow here," says Peter Dunne , United Future leader.
Others want her head to roll. Labour's Social Development spokesperson Ruth Dyson says Rankin is an embarrassment.
"How many times will he (Key) tolerate Christine Rankin's defiance before he takes action?"
But Key says Rankin is not being defiant, saying she is more focused on the kids, rather than the politics and sees not reason to sack the controversial commissioner.
