The timing could be seen as politically convenient, but not really strange that the PM is announcing the inquiry. But to be fair with the track record of the political shit that this government likes to step in, any time could be seen as politically continent.

If the PM became aware of this kind of abuse of power; and didn’t want an inquiry; I would be far more worried.

But there may be nothing here also, we have to remember that the PM didn’t find this out. Someone told him about it, they put their personal spin on the news. An inquiry is the appropriate response, Luxon says

but given the “seriousness” of the circumstances, it was important for facts to be established and independent oversight of the whole picture of government agency actions.

This seems to be the appropriate response; depending on how he delivered it.