Raukura Waikato Social Services Trust was a popular iwi service that had contracts with the Ministries of Social Development and Corrections, the Waikato District Health Board and CYFS.
It was launched by the late Māori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu and contributed successfully to the community. But last week, trustees officially closed down the service owing more than $600,000 in debts.
Police are investigating the finances of the Trust which has offices in Hamilton, Huntly, Springhill Corrections Facility and Morrinsville. Some staff had been unpaid for nearly two months, while their clients are missing important social services.
Native Affairs reporter Iulia Leilua has more on this report.