Taura Whiri underfunded for top role
Friday, 24th August, 2013
State Services Minister Tony Ryall refused a request from Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples to raise fee levels for the Maori Language Commission, despite the fees budget blowing out during a period of turmoil.
Questions have been asked about why Te Taura Whiri board chair Erima Henare, former board member Wayne Ngata and former chair Patu Hohepa were paid a total of about $124,000 more than the statutory limit over five years.
When the error was picked up, Dr Sharples advised Mr Ryall that the overpayment came because members had been working more days than allowed for under the rules.
He said the role of chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori involved significantly more than just governance oversight, and he believed the work done was entirely appropriate.
During the period there was problems with management, and Mr Ngata’s payments related to a period when he was acting chief executive,
Mr Ryall ruled the chairman could work up to 53 days a year at a daily rate of $600.
