By PAUL YANDALL
HAMILTON - A newly elected Tainui leader will be asked to resign from the tribe's executive council if fraud charges against him are proved.
Tommy Kuru Moana, aged 54, an adviser of Ngaruawahia, appeared in the Hamilton District Court last Friday charged with 23 counts of using a document
with intent to defraud.
He was remanded on bail until May 19 after entering no plea.
Moana was one of 11 candidates elected to the ruling council, Tekaumarua, on April 30.
The tribe's interim general manager, Raiha Mahuta, said the board would meet by the end of the week to discuss the charges against Moana.
"If they are proven, I think we will have no other option but to ask for his resignation."
She said the board would have to verify the charges as it had only been made aware of them through the media.
"The executive will go through the process of determining what has happened and what to do next."
Moana is alleged to have used Eftpos, credit card and other receipts to falsely claim allowances and benefits during his tenure as Maori Health Commission executive director from December 1997 to last August.
He is also alleged to have altered receipts, a hotel accommodation invoice and a travel expenses claim form.
The 23 charges total about $5000 and police say more charges may be laid.
Moana was unavailable for comment last night.
