Leaders quizzed on Tainui troubles

Hundreds of Tainui members gathered at Waipapa Marae near Kawhia yesterday to address issues raised in recent media reports.

Tensions within the tribe have been spiralling since the Waikato Times revealed a change in the structure of the Maori king's office and now Tainui members want to find out from their leaders what is going on.

The Times was asked to leave the meeting before any conversation could begin. However it is understood that Tom Roa, who recently resigned as the chairman of Tainui's parliament, Te Kauhanganui, was to give the reasons behind his decision to stand down and outline his concerns in relation to the tribe.

It was also expected that the chairman of Tainui's executive board, Tukoroirangi Morgan, would speak in response to Mr Roa.

A spokesperson for Waipapa marae told the Times the people wanted to talk about "sensitive issues that were possibly going to be quite hurtful".

He said the people did not feel comfortable discussing those issues while the media were present.

Other media outlets were also requested to turn off all filming equipment and not to report on anything that was said on the marae atea (courtyard or public forum). Those news agencies chose to leave rather than remain for the duration of the meeting.

King Tuheitia was at Waipapa Marae with his wife for the Poukai meeting.

The meeting was part of the Poukai, a long-held tradition where the reigning Maori monarch visits marae affiliated to the Kingitanga so that concerns can be discussed.

- © Fairfax NZ News