Whanau Ora Minister Tariana Turia failed to turn up at a select committee hearing on Wednesday on the financial performance of the programme.
Members of Parliament's Maori Affairs select committee were told Mrs Turia had a scheduling conflict.
Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Leith Comer and three other officials went in her place.
Last week the minister was forced to defend Whanau Ora when New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, dismissed it as a waste of money, after $3000 was paid towards the cost of a family reunion.
