May 22, 2014
Land trust critic ordered to pay costs
The Maori Land Court has ordered a longstanding critic of giant Taranaki land incorporation Paraninihi ki Waitotara to pay costs for his latest failed challenge.
Judge Layne Harvey says Hori Manuirirangi wanted the court to vest a block at Manaia in his Ngati Tu Whenua Hapu Trust, against the wishes of PKW.
He says the court did not have jurisdiction to do so, which Mr Manuirirangi would have known if he had sought legal advice.
PKW says having its chief executive, Dion Tuuta, defend the action cost it just over $5600, including $1600 for legal services.
Judge Harvey ordered Mr Manuirirangi to pay $3000, saying where litigants seek recourse to legal process, they must expect legal consequences.
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