The head of the Maori Council's branch in the top of the South Island is walking away from the job after coming under fire from his national executive.
Harvey Ruru is standing aside after 16 years as Chair of Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Maui district.
His decision follows a statement issued by Maori Council co-chair Sir Eddie Durie complaining that the branch had not held elections for several years.
Mr Ruru said he learned he was no longer wanted only when contacted by Te Manu Korihi. He said he was going but that the Maori Council leadership had failed to contact him, or give him formal notification of his dismissal.
He claimed elections had been held, and said the Maori Council executive needed to understand the definition of election process.
Mr Ruru said he had for years supported the Maori Wardens and there needed to be some consideration of the long service he had provided.
