19 Jul 2013

Auckland tribal trust set to act on High Court directions

7:50 pm on 19 July 2013

An Auckland tribal trust has started actioning orders made by the High Court.

Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, which is charged with negotiating the tribe's Treaty claim, was ordered by the court in March to make changes, such as removing trustees and holding a fresh election by August.

Court action was sparked by the trust being torn apart by disagreements, and being unable to work constructively.

The trust's website shows that a special general hui to elect new trustees will take place at Umupuia Marae in Maraetai, Auckland on 1 September.

The tribe is seeking to elect 11 trustees.

Nominations for new trustees as well as voting registrations for tribal members are open until Monday 22 July, and can be found on the Ngai Tai ki Tamaki website.

If more than 11 trustee nominations are received a vote will be held.

Te Puni Kokiri (the Ministry of Maori Development) has appointed an independent person to chair the hui, and an Election New Zealand returning officer to conduct the voting process if required.