Maori travel permits 'illegal'

Pita Sharples. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The Minister of Maori Affairs is warning that people using a so-called Maori Traveller's Permit instead of a driver's licence will be prosecuted.

Maori sovereignty group Te Akaiimapuhia Maori Land Incorporation - which has admitted links to Gerard Otimi, who last year sold residency permits and passports to Pacific Islanders for $500 - said it had issued at least 2000 permits, or drivers' licences.

Its "Minister of Police", Tiare Waaka-Timoti, told the Herald the group was authorised to create laws, statutes and regulations or place limitations on existing laws within its own native districts under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Land Act 1993 and 1995.

But Maori Affairs minister Dr Pita Sharples said the permits had no official status as a driver's licence under Te Ture Whenua Maori or any other statute.

"If you drive without holding an official driver's licence, you can expect to be prosecuted by the police," said Dr Sharples.

Other members of Te Akaiimapuhia said they had been successful in using their permits.

Diane Ratana, of Hamilton, said she presented her permit at the Chartwell Post Shop on Tuesday when she went there to change the ownership of her vehicle.

"The woman there said 'oh, it's the first time I have seen this'," she said. "I said 'well this a traveller's permit ... and this is what I use as a photo id as well'."

Ms Ratana, who said she also used the permit at a Hamilton Winz centre, claims the manager at the store accepted the identification.

But NZ Post media communications manager Keith Fitzpatrick dismissed her claims and said the permit was not acceptable as identification. He said the store manager requested other formal identification and was given Ms Ratana's birth certificate.

At least two people have been arrested for using the traveller's permit instead of a driver's licence, including Wiremu Peihopa, aka Billy Griffiths, who is to appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow.