Whakarongotai Meeting Called as Financial Crisis Comes to a Head in Kapiti
By Alan Tristram May 25,2010
Local Maori have been urged to attend a crucial meeting on June 13 at the Waikanae Marae to sort out a major financial scandal and leadership struggle.
Te Rununga o Atiawa ki Whakarongotai Inc. — one of two groups claiming leadership — says it is now the legal authority.
In an email to members, the Rununga executive refers to major financial anomalies — including the apparent misuse of nearly $600,000 Capital and Coast DHB money, which was intended for the Hora Te Pai health centre.
The Rununga warns members about another meeting called by the rival Iwi group which it says is ‘purporting to be the rununga executive’ — and so confusing members.
The Rununga says the members of the rival group are at the centre of inquiries by the Capital and Coast District Health Board into ‘$590,000 of Hora te Pai monies.’
It adds in the email:”The C and C DHB is currently undertaking a forensic audit of the financial transactions to account for the monies.
“We understand that the person purporting to be the newly-elected treasurer (of the rival rununga) is the person being held to account for these funds.”
The email message to regikstered members of the Rununga is signed by Richard Orzecki, as chairman.
Other members are: Cain Kerehoma, Rawhuiti Higgott, Karen Parata,Hilda Broadhurst, Ani Parata and Carmen Timu-Parata.
Andre Baker,chair of the Otaki Community Board,Ann-MareeBukholt, and Mahina-a-rangi Baker are co-opted members.
No Comments