MEDIA STATEMENT

For immediate release

Maaori King Responds to Court Ruling on Tania Martin Dispute

Statement issued by the Office of the Maaori King

King Tuheitia is pleased that the decision by the Court today will assist in bringing this issue back into the Waikato-Tainui house.

It is the view of the King, and of Te Arataura, that this is not a matter for the Courts but for Te Kauhanganui - the tribal parliament.

The unnecessary action and the pain that Mrs Martin has inflicted on Waikato-Tainui has caused the King to lose confidence in her ability to fill the role of Chair of Te Kauhanganui.

He maintains his withdrawal of support for her to remain in that position.

ENDS.