22 Aug 2011

Iwi politics won't affect Te Puia - board chair

6:03 am on 22 August 2011

The head of the board of directors of Rotorua Maori Arts and Craft centre Te Puia says iwi politics won't affect its operations.

Te Puia is located at the geothermal area of Whakarewarewa.

Ngati Wahiao, Tuhourangi and Ngati Whakaue all have connections to the area and are part of a joint iwi trust.

The trust will soon receive Whakarewarewa land and assets from the Crown, which includes the cultural centre.

Ngati Wahiao filed legal action out of concern its representatives failed to go back to the people and tell them about negotiations for the tourism centre.

The chair of the board of Te Puia, Harry Burkhardt, says iwi matters are not its focus.

An election of trustees for the Whakarewarewa Joint Trust has been set down for 11 September.

In the meantime, Ngati Waahiao has the option to go back to court next week if problems occur relating to the election date.