October 24, 2013
Durie cleared of CFRT conflict
The Crown trustees on the Crown Forestry Rental Trust have received a sharp rebuke from a retired Appeal Court judge for their attempts to freeze out trustee Sir Taihakurei Durie.
In an arbitration decision, Justice Bruce Robertson found there was no conflict of interest in Sir Taihakurei Durie taking part in decisions about funding Te Paparahi o te Raki claims in Northland.
The Crown-appointed trustees backed by Federation of Maori Authorities appointee Alan Haronga had claimed there was a conflict because his wife Donna Hall acted as a lawyer for some claimants.
But Justice Robertson says Ms Hall’s role in the claim has diminished, and she now acts for only two claimants who do not qualify for trust funding.
He says since Sir Taihakurei was appointed last year, he has questioned long-standing processes and procedures.
That has created frustration and unease within the trust, but did not amount to a conflict of interest.
The other trustees have refused to allow arbitration or mediation on other issues raised by Sir Taihakurei, so they will go to a full High Court hearing.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd