Scepticism over just how much a new top cop's attitudes have really changed since Operation Austin.

It has been revealed new deputy police commissioner Wally Haumaha dismissed Louise Nicholas' accusations of gang rape by police, calling them nonsense and that police had to stick together.

In a new statement from police, it says Haumaha deeply regrets the comments he made at the time, and has since been an advocate for change in police culture.

Investigate reporter Phil Kitchin broke the original story of the Louise Nicholas allegations.

He told Mike Hosking he needs reassurance the new cop has changed.

"I haven't heard from Wally Haumaha, himself, that he regrets the comments he made back when operation Austin inquiry was talking to him.

All we have heard, is from his boss, who did appoint him, who must have had a strong role in appointing him," he said.

LISTEN ABOVE AS PHIL KITCHIN SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING