June 30, 2021
Minister puts mediator Mair into Maori Council mix
Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson says he’s disappointed at ongoing dissent and factionalism in the New Zealand Māori Council.
The council held its annual meeting at the weekend and elected new co-chairs, after the High Court refused to grant an injunction to former Auckland District Māori Council chair Matthew Tukaki, who has also served as its executive director for the past three years.
The Minister says because of the council’s statutory roles, it’s important there is clear process.
"We're talking with the different groups trying to work through to see if we can resolve this because you've got protests, you've got elections going on, you've got the Matthew Tukaki side, you've got Harvey Ruru and them now having this election. I'm not sure it's good for everyone that you've got a council in dispute," Mr Jackson says.
Te Puni Kōkiri has asked seasoned mediator Ken Mair to work with the two sides.
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