Roa new casualty of Tainui unrest

Posted by karere under Maori News

One of Tainui’s top men has resigned as tension within the tribe and the kingitanga continues to grow. Tom Roa, who was the chairman of the tribe’s parliament, Te Kauhanganui, tendered his resignation citing personal reasons at a meeting this week. When contacted by the Waikato Times Mr Roa said he did not want to comment until he had talked to tribal members first. Mr Roa’s decision to stand down followed a tumultuous Te Kauhanganui meeting last month at which the Maori king, Tuheitia Paki, stood and spoke about his frustration and anger regarding the behaviour of some of the tribe. It was during this speech that tribal sources allege King Tuheitia said he might “withdraw as paramount chief of the tribe and King of the tribe” if members did not fall back into line. The claim about the threat was disputed by a spokesperson for the king, who said King Tuheitia would never threaten to abdicate.

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