Kaumatua in fraud case still works with police

Maurice Gray. Photo / Simon Baker

Police have been criticised for continuing to work with a Maori elder after he was found guilty of fraud for his part in a bogus wedding.

Former Anglican minister Maurice Manawaroa Gray, 54 - who has remained a "police kaumatua" in Christchurch - was discharged without conviction after arguing the effects of a conviction would impact heavily on his cultural status and livelihood.

He was ordered to pay costs and reparation of $4250. He was found guilty after claiming to be present to solemnise a wedding in 2006 that he did not attend.

The unqualified man conducting the ceremony on his behalf, Geoffrey Hall, ended up with a conviction for his part in the fraud.

Since the sentencing, Mr Gray has acted for police in ceremonial blessings after the Christchurch earthquake, and at events such as ceremonies of thanks for Australian police serving in Christchurch. But police say the local iwi put forward the kaumatua, and they do not handpick the individuals they work with.

Philip Ellis, the man whose wedding Mr Gray falsely solemnised, said he should not be allowed to keep working with the police.

Garth McVicar, of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, said: "I'm appalled that the police would have such a person working within the system for them."

Inspector John Price, of the Canterbury police, said police worked closely with Ngai Tahu on issues of cultural advice and support.

"The kaumatua are selected by Ngai Tahu and we work with the kaumatua," Mr Price said.

A Ngai Tahu spokesman said: "Maurice Gray ... has a long history of supporting police. The requests for his service came from the community."