Flavell launches ministerial investigation into Aupouri Maori Trust Board

Thursday 27th August 2015

Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell has launched a ministerial investigation into the financial woes at Aupouri Maori Trust Board, which led it to stop providing services this week.

On Tuesday the Kaitaia based board of trustees said it was facing "challenging financial circumstances" and announced an in-depth audit and review to fully investigate the situation, according to a notice on the Aupouri Maori Trust Board's website. As a result, the board had scaled back its operations and social service delivery programmes, resulting in a "number of job losses".

Under the Maori Trust Boards Act 1955 and at the request of the Aupouri Maori Trust Board, Flavell will direct the ministerial investigation into its financial affairs, he said in a statement.

"Aupouri Maori Trust Board has advised that the board has some financial problems," Flavell said. "This investigation will ascertain the facts and circumstances that have resulted in the board's currenct financial sistuation. I have also asked Te Puni Kokiri officials to assist the board with its request for an interim manager."

In Janurary 2012, the Crown and Te Aupōuri signed a deed of settlement, which saw the the iwi awarded $21.04 million for breaches by the Crown under the Treaty of Waitangi. According to the 2006 census, approximately 9,300 people were affiliated to Te Aupōuri.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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