Elections put Morgan back on Tainui board

Tuku Morgan

Former New Zealand First MP Tuku Morgan, dumped two years ago from the Tainui board, was re-elected at tribal elections yesterday.

Mr Morgan was among 22 candidates vying for 10 seats on the 11-member board at a vote held at the tribe's parliament in Hopuhopu.

The Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, appoints the 11th member.

Tainui chairman Kingi Porima was among existing board members re-elected, as well as the sister of Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta, Tipa Mahuta, and Shane Solomon, Sonny Wilson, Rukumoana Schaafhause, and Patience Te Ao.

The vote marks a stellar return for Mr Morgan, a former chairman, who was forced to quit the executive in September 2004 because of a criminal conviction. The then constitution banned tribal members with a conviction for any criminal offence punishable by jail from being a member of its parliament, and executive.

The rule has since been changed. Mr Morgan was convicted for obstructing police during a 1984 land protest.

He labelled his re-election a "vindication against an unfair rule".

"The rule was a bit of a nonsense and the people have shown that by electing me back."

Mr Morgan said he would stand for chairman at the new board's first meeting on March 6, if nominated.

He is likely to come up against existing chairman Mr Porima and Ms Mahuta.

Mr Porima said the election outcome provided a "good balance".

"The people have gone for stability - most former members were re-elected."

He said he would seek re-election as chairman if nominated.

The Herald understands, however, that the chances of Mr Porima being re-elected are slim. Of his supporters, Tom Roa, did not seek election to the board, and Te Ao Peehi Kara was not re-elected.

A tribal source who would not be named said Tipa Mahuta was likely to leverage kingitanga support to challenge for the chairperson's role. Her mother, Lady Raiha Mahuta, is the Maori Queen's representative on the board. Ms Mahuta could not be reached for comment.

New members are Rahui Papa, Charles Joe and Tania Martin.

All aboard at Tainui

February 2003: Twelve executive members elected from the tribe's 195-member parliament; Kingi Porima elected as chairman.

July 2003: Mr Porima dumped as chairman.

August 2003: Haydn Solomon and Tuku Morgan become co-chairmen.

February 2004: Peter Tuteao removed after admitting past criminal convictions.

July 2004: Mr Porima reinstated as chairman after removal of Mr Solomon and Mr Morgan.

September: Koro Wetere and Tuku Morgan removed from board due to past criminal convictions.

November: Mr Solomon dumped from the board for bringing tribe into disrepute; Shane Solomon and Patience Te Ao elected to board;board name changed from Te Kaumarua (12) to Te Arataura, numbers reduced to 11.

February 2006: Mr Morgan returns in fresh elections.