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Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare is throwing his support behind Te Puea Marae chair Hurimoana Dennis, who is facing a kidnapping charge stemming from an attempt to change the illegal behaviour of a 17-year-old.
Marae trustees this week refused to accept the resignation of Inspector Dennis, who has gained widespread public commendation this year for drawing attention to the need to do something more for the homeless than government agencies seemed to be willing to do.
The marae called for an alternate approach, as has happened with similar cases in the past.
"Well perhaps this is one of those issues that can be dealt with on a marae with a Maori restorative kaupapa at its heart rather than going through the courts. I think that is a good thing. This may be one of those occasions where we could advocate for that because I think Huri is a good man and I have already offered my support to him," Mr Henare says.
He says Maori in Tamaki Makaurau know how hard Hurimoana Dennis has worked for the community over many years,
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