By ANGELA GREGORY Maori issues reporter
Titewhai Harawira says she still heads the Auckland District Maori Council, despite her dumping in a recent election.
The Maori activist has called the election invalid and is also denying the legitimacy of two new district councils set up in her patch.
The New Zealand Maori Council had to intervene and call a triennial election of the Auckland council after Mrs Harawira failed to meet deadlines.
A member of the Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust Board, Grant Hawke, has been confirmed as chairman of the newly elected Auckland District Maori Council.
Mr Hawke said the council had been democratically elected at a hui by about 90 voters. "It was checked out and the legal advice was that it was valid."
He was not worried that Mrs Harawira did not recognise the new council, and was trying to hold on to power.
"That's kei te pai [okay]. I have gone through a lot with Titewhai ... and have a high regard for her."
Mr Hawke said there was a good chance they would both turn up at hui in the role of chairs of the Auckland council.
"She may claim her spot back, but Titewhai can speak too ... I won't get in a public slanging match."
Mr Hawke said the membership of the Auckland District Maori Council had dwindled, and improvements were needed.
Mrs Harawira said the election was invalid, and the council she headed continued to represent hapu and iwi from Helensville to Mercer.
Meanwhile, she has hired lawyers to fight Maanu Paul, who she said was single-handedly running the New Zealand Maori Council and interfering in Auckland's affairs.
"People have not been happy with his solo act. He's been running amuck and makes all sorts of statements without consultation."
Mrs Harawira said the Auckland council had six months ago passed a resolution to seek a public audit of Mr Paul's work and passed a vote of no confidence in him. She questioned his value to the council.
Mrs Harawira disputed the legitimacy of two fledgling district councils set up on the North Shore and in South Auckland.
She said a hui-a-iwi had last month unanimously agreed that the Te Rake Paewhenua and Tamaki ke te Tonga councils established by the national body were null and void.
There had been no consultation with her council or local Maori, Mrs Harawira said.
"The people have now undone his [Maanu Paul's] new councils and he can't go past the will of the people."
Mr Paul has not responded to Herald inquiries since last week.
Harawira defies poll result
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