November 26, 2012
Deputy defends record of new Tainui executive
The Deputy Chair of Tainui's Te Ara Taura Executive Board says many of the issues identified in King Tuheitia's letter to the tribe relate to what was happening during Tukoroirangi Morgan's reign as chair.
Hemi Rau says legal costs during the past 8 months have been a fraction of what was spent when Mr Morgan and Te Kauhanganui chair Tania Martin were going head to head.
He says things aren't as bad as the king's letter paints.
"Yes it was a mess over the last three years but we have been able to tidy things up over the next eight months and the biggest task is managing people's expectations but one thing about this group of Te Ara Taura members is we are collective in our views and thoughts and in particular under Tom Roa's chairmanship he has indicated that our focus is about people first, empowering our people," Mr Rau says.
He says while Te Kauhanganui members agreed with many of the points in King Tuheitia's letter, it's not automatic they will accept his recommendation to make Tukoroirangi Morgan their chair.
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