Runanga set to consider Tau's role

Sonny Tau

The Ngapuhi Runanga will consider an appropriate course of action after its absent chairman Sonny Tau pleaded guilty to hunting kukupa (wood pigeons) and had a serious criminal charge brought against him.

Tau pleaded guilty to one charge of hunting a protected species when he appeared in in Auckland District Court last Thursday, after initially denying it when he appeared in Invercargill District Court in August.

He had previously admitted possessing the kukupa and was convicted on both charges laid under the Wildlife Act.

Tau, who is on a leave of absence from his role as Ngapuhi Runanga chairman, was found with several kukupa at Invercargill Airport on June 16.

A new charge, of conspiring to pervert the course of justice, was laid by the police on Thursday. Tau has not entered a plea to that charge, but is expected to do so at his next appearance in January.

Tau has been on a three-month leave of absence from all his positions at the runanga since October 19. Carol Dodd is acting chairwoman.

"The board will give full consideration to Mr Tau's recent court appearance and determine the most appropriate course of action. It is inappropriate to comment further while matters relating to Mr Tau are still before the court," the Runanga said in a statement.

Maximum penalties for the unlawful killing or taking of protected species are a fine of $100,000 and/or two years' imprisonment. Under the Crimes Act, anyone found guilty of conspiring to obstruct, prevent, pervert or defeat the course of justice may be imprisoned for up to seven years.