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Regional | Invercargill

Ngāpuhi delegation commence 'secret meeting' with southern iwi

A Ngāpuhi delegation, including Raniera Sonny Tau, have met with southern iwi at an Invercargill marae.

Yesterday there was no confirmation as to whether or not a meeting would take place between members of both Ngāpuhi and Ngāi Tahu iwi.

Today that was a different story with new information coming to light regarding a meeting held at Te Takutai o te Tītī Marae.

The meeting is alleged to have been organised so that Ngāpuhi leader Raniera Tau could apologise to Ngāi Tahu after allegedly smuggling and hunting native wood pigeons from the region.

In the Ngāpuhi delegation that arrived at the Invercargill Airport were representatives from all pockets of Northland and as far afield as Sydney, Australia.

Many members of the local iwi gathered at Riverton while Raniera Tau, kept a low profile.

Prominent Northern leader Naida Glavish was also part of the delegation and says Raniera Tau will remain silent on the issue as he faces court action.

Ngāi Tahu Communications Manager Julian Wilcox would not confirm whether the meeting was in fact a meeting to apologise over Tau's actions.

"Ngai Tahu will not comment, nor will any other iwi present today. Sonny 'Raniera' Tau will also not make any comment", said Wilcox.

Iwi Chair Forum member Naida Glavish said that the meeting had a peaceful outcome.

Raniera Tau is set to appear before the Invercargill District Court on July 24.