Snubbing of Jackson bid 'flawed'

Broadcaster Willie Jackson. Photo / File

Broadcaster Willie Jackson is in with another chance to get on the Independent Maori Statutory Board after the High Court ruled its selection processes were flawed.

The Radio Live host is seeking costs understood to be close to $100,000 after his court victory.

Jackson, who chairs the Manukau Urban Maori Authority, took legal action this year after he was snubbed for one of two urban Maori positions on the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB).

The board provides advice to Auckland Council on Maori issues.

Last August, a selection body appointed Waipareira Trust chief executive John Tamihere and Papakura Marae chief executive Tony Kake to the two matawaka (urban Maori) positions on the board for the second term of the Auckland Council.

But in a ruling seen by the Herald, High Court judge Ailsa Duffy said the process used to select one of the matawaka representatives on Auckland's Independent Maori Statutory Board was "badly flawed" and needed to be done again.

Justice Duffy said that in picking incumbent member Tony Kake over Jackson, the selection panel which included only mana whenua representatives failed to show it had considered matawaka views.

Jackson would not confirm the costs he would be seeking from the board for his legal action but a source close to him said it was "close to $100,000".

IMSB spokeswoman Simone Anderson said the board would need time to consider the decision.