Media Statement

High Court rules on Northland Church funds

The High Court in Auckland has ruled that representatives of the
Vestry for the Parengarenga-Ahipara-Peria Anglican Maori Pastorate in Northland, are entitled to funds that were left as a bequest to the Pastorate.

The funds, an initial amount of $250,000, had been frozen since 2002. At that time there was a spilt in the pastorate, which led to competing claims. A group who had broken away from Hui Amorangi ki te Tai Tokerau claimed to have authority over the funds, now in excess of $450,000.

The Court has ruled that as the claimants do not recognise or sit within the authority structures of the Anglican Church, they are not entitled to the funds.

The Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau, the Rt Rev’d Kito Pikaahu wishes to acknowledge the work of the court. He says the most important thing is that ministry through the church will continue in Northland for the good of the entire community and he hopes that despite this disagreement there is a way forward for all to tell that story together.

ENDS