A hui held in Kaikohe saw almost 100 kaumatua and kuia support Sonny Tau continuing as chairman of the Ngapuhi Runanga after it was announced he would face charges of hunting/killing kukupa and possessing the protected bird.
At the hui held on Friday at the Te Runanga A iwi O Ngapuhi office, called together at a day's notice, Mr Tau said he would step aside as chairman of Te Runanga A iwi O Ngapuhi if it was the wish of his elders, but overwhelming support from attendees meant Mr Tau would be continuing his leadership, the runanga said in a statement.
On the same day of the hui it was announced Mr Tau would appear in the Invercargill District Court on Friday, July 24, facing charges for hunting/killing kukupa and possessing the protected birds. Mr Tau was allegedly found with kukupa in his possession at Invercargill Airport on June 16.
The statement by Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi said with 100 kaumatua and kuia attending Friday's event, the hui was one of "the largest gathering of Ngapuhi elders".
"The hui ended with all kaumatua and kuia giving their full support to [Mr Tau] continuing in the role as chairman after charges had been laid earlier that day."
