Sonny Tau admits having kereru but denies hunting

Sonny Tau

A Northland Maori elder has admitted possessing five kereru but has denied hunting or killing the protected species

Ngapuhi elder Sonny Tau, 61, was found with a number of Kereru at Invercargill Airport in June.

Since the incident, Tau, 61, stood aside from his position of chairman of Tuhoronuku, the body recognised as having mandate to negotiate the Ngapuhi Treaty Settlement.

The maximum penalty for taking a protected species is a fine of up to $100,000 or two years in prison.

He had his case remanded to a review hearing in September which he has been excused from attending.