A nephew of the Corrections Minister could soon be spending time as a guest in one of his uncle's prisons.

NZME has revealed Sam Lotu-liga's nephew Kenneth has admitted to a charge of assaulting his pregnant partner, and another of wilful damage.

Sam Lotu-Iiga, who was in the dark about the assault until yesterday, said crimes against women were abhorrent and his nephew must face the consequences.

"I was not aware of my nephew's conviction and have not spoken to him," he said.

"Any violence, particularly against vulnerable women and children, is abhorrent and the perpetrators should face the consequences of their actions."

Kenneth Samuela Lotu-Iiga, the son of the National MP's sister, admitted a charge of assaulting his partner in an incident on July 12.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

He also pleaded guilty to wilful damage in relation to the same incident.