Hon Te Ururoa Flavell

Minister for Māori Development

Te Minita Whanaketanga Māori

21 September 2015 Media Statement

Key people in place to progress investigation

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has appointed Mr Grant Taylor, Wellington Managing Partner of Ernst and Young to lead the Ministerial Investigation into the affairs of the Aupōuri Māori Trust Board under the Māori Trust Boards Act.

“The investigation will ascertain the facts and circumstances that have resulted in the Board’s current financial situation and I expect the investigation to be completed in a timely and efficient manner,” he says.

Mr Flavell also confirmed that assistance had been provided to enable the Board to obtain the services of an interim manager.

Mr Evan Nathan has been engaged in the role of interim manager, to assist the Board to manage its affairs as it transitions through to dissolution under the Te Hiku settlement legislation.

“Mr Nathan brings years of experience of management in both the public and private sectors. He has been a Director of Tyson Nathan & Associates Limited since it started in 2008. He was also part of the establishing of the Māori Business Facilitation Service in Te Puni Kōkiri from 1999-2001”, says Mr Flavell.

Te Hiku Claims Settlement Bill which includes the settlement for Te Aupōuri, had its final reading on 9 September 2015. As a consequence of this legislation, the Aupōuri Māori Trust Board will be dissolved and Te Rūnanga o Te Aupōuri will receive the tribe’s settlement.

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