March 03, 2014
Court hears CFRT stoush
A High Court judge has reserved his decision on appointments to the Crown Forestry Rental Trust.
Justice Joe Williams heard arguments yesterday on whether the appointment of Taranaki Whanui chair Neville Baker to the trust was properly handled.
Mr Baker was appointed last month by a panel containing representatives of the New Zealand Maori Council and the Federation of Maori Authorities.
But CFRT chair Angela Foulkes refused to seat Mr Baker after advice from FOMA chair Traci Houpapa that a majority on her executive did not back the choice.
Maori Council co-chair Maanu Paul says he is concerned that if the situation is not resolved by the trust’s monthly meeting next week, there will be no funding for the next Te Paparahi o Te Raki Claim hearing in Northland.
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