July 01, 2015
Ngapuhi elders plan apology hikoi
Ngapuhi elders are considering a trip to the deep south to apologise for Ngapuhi Runanga chair Sonny Tau’s alleged pigeon poaching.
Mr Tau was this week stood down as the chair of Tuhoronuku, the body overseeing the northern iwi’s treaty settlement negotiations.
A hui yesterday of Te Kotahitanga o Nga Hapu o Ngapuhi, which opposed the Tuhoronuku process, called for Mr Tau to relinquish all his positions in the tribe.
Kaumatua Kingi Taurua says Mr Tau’s actions had brought shame on the whole tribe.
"We got a call from some Ngapuhi from Invercargill down that particular area saying that they are now being called Ngapuhi thieves. So that is the reason why we thought it might be a good idea that we go down there and apologise and restore the mana of Ngapuhi and restore the mana of Ngai Tahu and that is what I propose to do in the very near future" says Kingi Taurua
Meanwhile the board of Te Runanga a iwi o Ngapuhi says while it does not condone kereru poaching, Sonny Tau remains its chair based on past perfromance.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com