August 09, 2017
Maori Council tries to rebuild after leadership row
The lawyer for the New Zealand Maori Council says a leadership dispute has affected the council's ability to advocate for all Maori.
The High Court has issued a declaration that Sir Edward Durie is the sole chair of the oganisation, ending the uncertainty that has prevailed since former co-chair Maanu Paul tried to unseat him early last year.
Felix Geiringer says since the dispute was first taken to the courts the council has developed a tikanga-based disputes resolution framework, which Mr Paul contributed to,
He says row between the two rangatira got in the way of the council's efforts to reform and make itself more relevant in an era where the Government has been increasingly favouring the Iwi Leaders Group.
"The Maori Council is the statutory body to advocate for the benefit of all Maori. Despite that the Government was increasingly going elsewhere for its discussions. The hope is that by righting the ship in this way the Maori Council will again be able to be a strong force for the benefit of Maori, " Mr Geiringer says.
Sir Edward will seek costs, but they are unlikely to be high because Mr Paul did not contest the declaration.
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