Tainui head avoids dumping

A move to dump Tainui's top executive, Hemi Rau, has failed after it was revealed that one of those who voted to oust him had a criminal conviction.

It is understood a vote of no confidence in Mr Rau, Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust head, failed on Monday after new executive member Peter Tuteao revealed details of a conviction.

The tribe's constitution bans anyone from a position on its parliament and executive if they have a criminal conviction which carries a prison term.

A source said the move to dump Mr Rau was supported by board members Lady Raiha and Tipa Mahuta, Tuku Morgan, Justine Berryman, Rukumoana Willis and Mr Tuteao. Five voted against the move. Koro Wetere, a supporter of Mr Rau, was absent.

Mr Tuteao's ineligibility meant the vote was tied and the motion was withdrawn, allowing Mr Rau to keep his job. The meeting lasted 12 hours.

Tekaumaarua chairman Kingi Porima would not comment, but later released a statement acknowledging that a board member was unable to fulfil his director's duties in terms of the trust deed.

"Appropriate processes are in place to manage this issue," the statement said. "It is important to note that the development of the Tekaumaarua corporate governance system underpinned by our Tainui values is ongoing as we learn to work together as a disciplined team."

It is understood the process to formally remove Mr Tuteao has begun and will be announced at the next board meeting later this month.

Mr Tuteao did not return calls. Mr Rau said he was unable to comment.

Mr Rau was appointed chief executive eight months ago. He has clashed with some members of the executive who have been unhappy with his performance. At the May board meeting, Mr Morgan, a strong and vocal opponent of Mr Rau, called for changes to the chief executive's job description which would have limited his authority.

Earlier this year, Mr Morgan was instrumental in the removal of Mr Rau and Tainui Group Holdings chief executive Steve Murray from Tainui Group Holdings' board. That board manages the tribe's financial affairs.

Mr Rau has a three-year contract with a salary of $120,000, with a $10,000 bonus. If his contract was terminated, the tribe could have to pay more than $300,000. He is the fourth to fill the tribe's top job in five years.

- NZPA