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Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust is imposing a language test for future trustees for its post-settlement governance entity.
The trust is calling for nominations for an election which needs to be completed before the crown will move ahead with a settlement.
Since 2013 the trust has been run on an interim basis by chair Gary Thompson and accountant Bryce Heron, with other board members appointed in late 2018 as pressure built from a rival faction working under the revived Ngāti Pāoa Trust Board umbrella.
The notice of election says candidates can’t have criminal convictions or bankruptcy on their records, as set out in the organisation’s deed of trust.
It also says candidates must comply with what it says are “iwi endorsed trustee competencies,” including that they have te reo and tikanga, that they can uphold core values of Ngāti Pāoa at all times, and that they have relevant experience and qualifications – without those qualifications being spelled out.
With nominations being due by July 21, the restrictions could allow existing trustees to limit challenges.
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