default-output-block.skip-main
National | Ngāpuhi

Call for Raniera Tau to step down from all roles within Ngāpuhi

Raniera Tau is being challenged to step down from all of his roles within Ngāpuhi, not just that of chairman at Tūhoronuku.

At a special meeting held by Tūhoronuku last night, Raniera Tau stood down as chairman while investigations continue into his possession of Kūkupa birds.

Chris Finlayson let rip and there was no love lost for Raniera Tau.

Finlayson says, “We just don't want sideshows. I want people focused on the issues that matter.”

Tau has stepped down as chairman of Tūhoronuku, but he'll remain on as a board member.  The Government says the issue won't affect Tūhoronuku's mandate in settling Ngāpuhi's Treaty claim.

Te Ururoa Flavell says, “He has acknowledged what he did was wrong. He's stepped down and has apologised for it. I don't think he underestimates the severity.”

However, Labour is after blood and is calling for Raniera Tau to step down from all of his iwi roles, not just that at Tūhoronuku.

Peeni Henare says, “Perhaps Sonny should step down from all of his roles including those on Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Iwi Leaders Forum, he holds a number of positions.”

It doesn't end there. They also say Ngāpuhi's division over the claim may be healed as Labour points the finger at Raniera Tau being the problem.

Henare says, “It's believed the problem lies with individuals, not the objective and therefore if Sonny has stepped down then perhaps Ngāpuhi can move forward.”

Kelvin Davis says, “We are waiting to see what actions are taken by the law following police investigations and whether these allegations will be confirmed.”

Tau is still refusing to comment.  The question remains as to whether he will be charged.