A number of Ngāpuhi Kaumatua and Kuia have expressed their continued support for Raniera Tau to remain Chairman of Te Rūnanga-a-iwi o Ngāpuhi despite being charged with killing and the possession of dead kereru.
According to a release issued by the Rūnanga, a meeting held last Friday was attended by almost 100 Kuia and Kaumatua of the iwi who expressed their wish for Raniera Tau to continue as chair.
The Rūnanga says Mr Tau offered to step aside as Chair after charges had been laid earlier that day by the Department of Conservation in relation to his possession of dead kereru at Invercargill Airport.
The release states that Kuia and Kaumatua commended the Runanga board on its stance in supporting the chairman and “acknowledged the strong leadership Raniera Tau has given Ngapuhi in the 15 years he has led Te Runanga-a-iwi o Ngapuhi, but reminded him there was still much work to be done for our people, and he should focus on this.”