Te Kauhanganui Chair welcomes High Court Decision

The Chairperson of Te Kauhanganui, Tania Martin, welcomed yesterday’s decision of the High Court at Hamilton, which confirmed that herself, Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa were validly elected to Te Kauhanganui as representatives of Hiiona Marae for the 2012-2015 term.

“We are pleased with the decision and glad to have this process completed”, said Mrs Martin. “We are looking forward to engaging constructively with Te Kauhanganui, and working to protect, advance, develop and unify the interests of Waikato Tainui.”

The High Court also declared that a second disputed election for the Hiiona representatives on Te Kauhanganui was conducted in breach of Te Kauhanganui’s Rules. As a consequence the High Court has set aside the election and ordered that Mrs Martin, Mr Whanga-Katipa and Ms Katipa be confirmed on Te Kauhanganui’s records as the validly elected representatives for Hiiona Marae.

“The High Court’s decision brings closure to this issue, and whanau can now move forward together” said Mrs Martin.

“Mr Whanga-Katipa, Ms Katipa, and I are looking forward to progressing matters vital to Te Kauhanganui’s success and vitality as a leading iwi organisation, ensuring that it is always acting in the best interests of Waikato-Tainui.”

“Going forward, the Officers of Te Kauhanganui will continue to advance key governance matters that were put on-hold pending the outcome of this High Court Hearing. Those matters include inter alia, the constitutional reform currently in progress and on-going review of our governance. ”

ENDS

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