Ex-minister and MP face Tainui ban

A former Government minister and high-profile MP could both be removed from Tainui's executive because they have convictions.

The Waikato iwi's executive is seeking legal advice on whether Koro Wetere and Tukoroirangi Morgan may have to be pulled from their ranks.

It was reported last week that moves to dump Tainui's top executive, Hemi Rau, failed because board member Peter Tuteao, who supported his removal, was ineligible to vote due to a criminal conviction.

Tainui's constitution bans from the tribe's parliament anyone who has or incurs a conviction for any criminal offence punishable by jail.

In February 2001 Mr Wetere, a former Maori Affairs Minister, was convicted of drink-driving, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment. He was disqualified from driving for six months and fined $400 with court costs imposed.

Former New Zealand First MP Mr Morgan was charged with obstructing and hindering police in October 1983, a charge that also carries a maximum three-month prison term.

Executive chairman Kingi Porima said legal advice would be followed by a meeting of the executive this week.