Wilson puts native court on notice

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson is warning operators of a "Native Assessors Court" in Whangarei they could wind up in court themselves if they break New Zealand's laws.

Since last year, under "chief justice" Hohepa Mapiria, of the Nga Tikanga Maori Law Society, the court has been issuing number plates and land titles.

The society wants to establish its own courts, native policing, health system, taxation and education system.

But Ms Wilson warned the court yesterday that she was keeping a close eye on its activities.

"I've now directed that in fact if there are behaviours or actions by these people that are misleading or in any way may well be considered to be criminal they should be referred to the police," she said on National Radio.

Any misrepresentations or fraud could be subject to criminal proceedings.

She said the court's activity appeared to have increased recently.

Ms Wilson said she would be stepping up a campaign to make sure people knew the Native Assessors Court was not legitimate.

She said any criminality by the court would be dealt with even if they denied New Zealand law had any authority over them.

"There is one law here," she said.

Neville Baker, acting director of the Maori Land Court in Whangarei, said it was concerning that people might think the "court" was an alternative to the Maori Land Court.

In June, Mr Mapiria said the society hoped its system would work alongside the Government's court system.

 

- NZPA