A Ngapuhi runanga has suspended a hapu that tried to divorce itself from the organisation in an unsuccessful court battle this year.
It marks a low point in Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi's history and is a decision that could have a multimillion-dollar cost to the organisation, which has
assets worth $39.5 million, built for the most part on fisheries.
Runanga chairman Sonny Tau said Ngati Hine had failed to comply with criteria for selecting their board representative despite being granted extra time.
"This decision was not taken lightly. Our process is democratic and robust. If Ngati Hine's appointment of their representative meets the requirements of the constitution, they're back sitting at the board table."
He said the runanga had an election process that all groups had to respect. To do otherwise would expose it to possible litigation and send mixed messages to Ngapuhi beneficiaries.
