River settlement trustee Susan Osborne vows to fight removal from Nga Tangata Tiaki board

Susan Osborne has been removed from the board of Nga Tangata Tiaki

A founding trustee of the iwi entity set up to manage the Whanganui River settlement has been removed from the board.

But Susan Osborne has vowed to fight her removal from the board of Nga Tangata Tiaki, which follows allegations that she brought the trust into disrepute.

The Chronicle understands Ms Osborne was removed as a trustee on Tuesday, and that it will be announced at Nga Tangata Tiaki's annual meeting at Raetihi on Sunday. The decision was made by four of the seven trustees of Nga Tangata Tiaki, the governance body set up following the river Treaty settlement.

It is understood she was alleged to have brought the trust into disrepute, but Ms Osborne yesterday said the decision was wrong and she was likely to pursue the matter in the High Court.

"The decision by Nga Tangata Tiaki is based on an allegation that I strongly deny," she said.

"It relates to matters unrelated to the business of the trust and which happened long before the trust was established.

"The decision is unjust and the fight is not over. The support of my family and iwi and hapu from the length of the Whanganui River has been tremendous."

Ms Osborne, who works in communications for the Department of Conservation, was one of seven trustees elected to Nga Tangata Tiaki by popular vote of the iwi in September 2015.

"This process has been going on for two long and difficult years. It has taken an enormous personal and financial toll," she said.

"At the same time, I have continued to carry out my responsibilities as a trustee, according to the wishes of the people who elected me."

The decision to remove her was made by four of the trustees, Rawiri Tinirau, Chris Kumeroa, Keria Ponga and Ned Tapa.

The remaining trustees, Gerrard Albert and Miriama Cribb, removed themselves from the process. Mr Albert, the current chairman of Nga Tangata Tiaki, was formerly married to Ms Osborne.

Ms Osborne has more than 10 years' governance experience on various bodies including the district health board iwi relationship board Hauora a Iwi, the Whanganui Hospital Advisory Board, Te Oranganui Iwi Health Board and Jigsaw.

Tamahaki kaumatua Paora Haitana said Ms Osborne continued to have the support of her people up and down the river.

"Anyone who has ever worked with Susie knows that she is a person of integrity who would not do anything to compromise the good standing of our taonga or our people."

A trust spokesperson said a thorough process had been undertaken, and independent expert advice had been sought. "It is the trust's intention to advise the people at the annual meeting of the process and the outcome of the process before making any public comment."