Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau stands down over pigeon smuggling

The birds were reportedly shot during a hunting trip, but it was unclear whether Sonny Tau was responsible for killing them.

Ngapuhi's Sonny Tau has been forced to stand down as chair of the iwi's settlement negotiation body Tuhoronuku while he faces an investigation into allegations he was carrying kereru.

Well-placed Ngapuhi sources reported Mr Tau was rolled during a meeting that went to midnight last night - at which only three of more than 20 Tuhoronuku members had supported him.

Treaty Minister Chris Finlayson confirmed he was advised this morning that Mr Tau had "either voluntarily or compulsorily" been stood down until an investigation into him was resolved.

The Department of Conservation is investigating after Mr Tau was caught carrying several kereru on a flight from Invercargill back to Northland.

Mr Finlayson believed the stand down was temporary but Mr Tau's position was a matter for Tuhoronuku to decide. He believed it was "a sensible thing" for Mr Tau to stand down during that investigation.

"I think it's wise to stand to one side. We don't want sideshows and I think it's important to focus on the things that matter. Getting a just and durable Ngapuhi settlement is what matters to me."

He did not expect it to affect Treaty settlement negotiations, saying there were plenty of people in Ngapuhi who wanted settlement and it had a large negotiating team. "It's never about one person. I'm very enthusiastic about the negotiation, let's get on with it."

Tuhoronuku is the body the Crown has recognised as having the mandate to negotiate for Ngapuhi - a mandate that is challenged by some iwi including Ngati Hine.

Former Tuhoronuku representative Mita Harris says he is pleased Sonny Tau has stepped down as chair of the negotiating body, but believed further steps were needed.

Mr Harris resigned from Tuhoronuku last week in protest after news Mr Tau was being investigated for carrying several endangered kereru from Invercargill to Northland.

Mr Harris is the chair of the local Conservation Board and previously worked for the Department of Conservation in Northland. He said he was pleased Mr Tau was no longer chair but he would wait for the outcome of the investigation before deciding whether he would seek to re-join Tuhoronuku.

"I've stood down, I'm watching with interest."

As well as the legal processes, Mr Harris said Mr Tau should also abide by tikanga [Maori custom] by apologising to the people of the South Island for taking the birds and Ngapuhi.

Mr Harris said there were several conservation groups in Northland who cared for the kereru. "It's just the wrong thing to do. You've got to lead by example."

Mr Tau was not immediately available for comment today but has earlier apologised for his actions, saying he had made a mistake.

Hunting kereru carries a penalty of up to $100,000 fine or up to six months' in jail. There is also a rahui on hunting kereru across much of Northland.

Tuhoronuku's board says the decision for former chair Sonny Tau to stand down was made in the interests of Ngapuhi and to prevent distraction from the Treaty settlement process.

The board has issued a statement confirming Mr Tau had been stood aside with immediate effect after an extraordinary meeting held last night. It is understood that only three of about 20 members at that meeting supported Mr Tau carrying on in the role. "The decision was made in the interests of Ngapuhi to prevent distraction and to allow the Tuhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority to focus fully on settlement negotiations with the Crown."

The board said Mr Tau will stay on as a trustee on the 22-strong board. The board has also appointed Sam Napia as acting chair. Mr Napia was previously deputy chair. Mr Napia said the settlement process was still on track - the authority hopes to have a settlement signed in 2016.