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The Federation of Maori Authorities is restructuring as it attempts to fill a hole in its accounts fast approaching $300,000.
A dispute with the New Zealand Maori Council over how to manage their joint participation in the Crown Forestry Rental Trust has so far cost more than $235,000 in legal bills.
Chair Traci Houpapa says it has also incurred significant unbudgeted expense consulting with members and considering the Government’s proposed changes to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act, the law governing Maori land.
She told Radio Waatea host Dale Husband that it is now working on a three-year strategy that could see larger members pay more.
" When FOMA was etablished 25 years ago by our kaumatua our kuia the model worked. It worked largely on a good deal of trust, faith and good will of individuals and a high degree of aroha and volunteer work. We're in a different world now. FOMA as a membership organisation needs to be viable. What we need to do as a membership is consider how we do that" she says.
Traci Houpapa says former chief executive Te Horipo Karaitiana resigned last month to spend more time with his family and pursue other business interests, but he is still part of the strategic mix.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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