Maori 'law' in spotlight

The Government is considering legislation to shut down a Maori "law society" linked to Maori sovereignty protests across the North Island.

Attorney-General Michael Cullen has sought a Justice Department report on the Northland-based Nga Tikanga Law Society, headed by blind, wheelchair-bound "chief justice" Joseph Murphy. The group has been linked to a string of sovereignty claims including the occupation of a Huntly caravan park, letters issued to Masterton businesses claiming they were illegally occupying Maori-owned land, and allegations of requests for money to Gisborne motels, by "Maori police" of the Maori Government of Aotearoa.

The group is also said to be behind the issuing of Maori driver's licences and number plates, and the occupation of Northland's Orauta primary school, near Kaikohe. Northland MP Dover Samuels said the group thrived on ignorance, and intimidation. It continued to attract followers.