Sonny Tau's three-month leave of absence is up but the Ngapuhi Runanga is remaining tight-lipped about what roles the former chairman now holds.
Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi announced last year that as of October 19 Mr Tau would be taking 12 weeks' leave from his position as chairman and trustee of the Runanga because of "personal reasons".
The 12 weeks of leave is now over but Runanga has not responded to questions asking if Mr Tau would remain as chairman, stand down or remain in the Runanga in an alternative role. "All media enquiries relating to Mr Tau are with our acting chair," said Ngapuhi Runanga spokesman Tio Taiaki.
But despite Advocate questions about Mr Tau's future with the organisation then being passed on to the acting chairwoman Carol Dodd no response has been forthcoming after more than two weeks.
Mr Tau did not return the Advocate's request for comment but his voicemail said he was still on leave.