August 24, 2015
Tonto left behind as Lone Ranger takes on Tainui
Meanwhile, the chair of a new group representing Ngapuhi elders says maverick David Rankin has no right to speak on behalf of the iwi.
Mr Rankin was widely quoted in mainstream media over the weekend attacking Waikato Tainui's intention of make progress on its longstanding claim regarding kingitanga interests over greater Auckland.
Kingi Taurua says the Auckland-based plumber is acting as a Lone Ranger, and he's an embarrassment to the tribe.
"He's not only left his kaumatua and his people Ngapuhi behind, he's also left Tonto behind, so he's riding his horse on his own. He never comes near Waitangi, he never comes near the marae, yet he's considered a Ngapuhi leader by the news media. It makes us whakamaa about what he's saying," he says .
Mr Taurua says his understanding of tribal history through his father's Ngati Whatua connections is that the Kaipara tribe's presence in Auckland was under the protection of Te Wherowhero, and Auckland was a Tainui area.
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