August 08, 2017
Durie confirmed as sole NZ Maori Council chair
The High Court has declared retired judge Sir Edward Durie the sole chair of the New Zealand Maori Council, ending attempts by long-serving council member Maanu Paul to maintain he was still the co-chair.
Mr Paul did not oppose the declaration, but will argue against paying costs.
Early last year Mr Paul called a meeting of the council which he said elected him as the sole chair, after sharing the role for several years.
Sir Edward said the meeting was unlawful, and in April 2016 was confirmed as the sole chair by the full council.
Mr Paul’s application for judicial review of that decision was discontinued by him in May this year, but the court was told he continued to hold himself out as co-chair, including in representations to the Waitangi Tribunal.
Sir Edward says Mr Paul's antics caused a lot of damage to the New Zealand Maori Council, and he hopes the declaration will allow it get back to concentrating on the important work it does advocating for the benefit of all Maori.
FELIX GEIRINGER (BARRISTER FOR SIR EDWARD TAIHAKUREI DURIE ) INTERVIEW
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