Sonny Tau guilty of indecent assault

Former Ngāpuhi Rūnanga chair Sonny Tau was found guilty last week of indecent assault of a girl over 16 years old and perverting the course of justice.

Last week, Tau was sentenced in the Whangārei District Court after a week-long trial.

During the trail, it was revealed Tau had offered the girl and her whānau an opportunity to settle outside of court however they could not agree to a settlement arrangement.

The assault occurred during his time as chairman of the rūnanga in early 2017, prior to his resignation in 2019.

Tau is remanded in custody and will appear for sentencing on February 19.

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