The Committee of Management (CoM) has filed in the Māori Land Court for the removal of a CoM member, Neil Te Timatanga Te Kani, following a vote of no confidence in July 2025 by the remaining six members of the CoM. This decision reflects serious concerns about governance responsibilities and conduct that has undermined the integrity of the board.
As governors, we are bound by our role as kaitiaki of the whenua, pūtea, and taonga entrusted to us. We have a duty to protect, and to ensure that any breaches of our policies, Constitution or the rights of shareholders under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act are acted upon and addressed.
Chairperson, Pirihira McMath said:
“As your Committee of Management, we do not take these steps lightly. We have been guided at every stage by our responsibility to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Our role is to protect the taonga that our tūpuna left in our care. Every decision we make is about ensuring that these taonga are safeguarded for you today, and for our mokopuna tomorrow.”
Data Breach & Election 2025 Delay
It is with much disappointment to notify our shareholders that some of their personal information that is contained on the share registry has been disclosed on an unauthorised basis. There is currently an urgent internal investigation underway to determine how this data breach has occurred and who was involved. This may result in disciplinary action being taken against any staff member who is identified as being involved. Action may also be taken against any third party involved. The matter has also been referred to the Privacy Commissioner. Furthermore, because of the data breach, there is a genuine concern on behalf of the CoM that the integrity of the up-coming election process may have been compromised. Urgent directions have been sought from the Māori Land Court as to the appropriate steps to be taken in respect to the election given those concerns. The shareholders can be assured that the CoM will do everything within their powers to protect both your rights to have your personal information protected and to participate in an election process that is open, fair and that has integrity beyond question.
As a result, the upcoming 2025 election will be delayed until the Court confirms a date for a Special General Meeting. However, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will still proceed as planned on 28 September 2025.
Deputy Chair, Lance Campbell also noted:
“The election is how our shareholders exercise their rangatiratanga. It must be a process that is fair, transparent, and trusted. That is why we have taken the step of seeking direction from the Māori Land Court, to ensure that when our people cast their votes, they can do so with confidence, that the process is beyond reproach and their rights are fully protected.”
Due to confidentiality and legal processes, we have not always been able to share with you as openly as we would like. We know that the absence of information can be unsettling. However, we can assure you that the CoM is united, has been properly advised through every step, our businesses are in good shape, and the Incorporation remains fully operational.
Mangatawa stands strong. Our tūpuna endured hardship with courage and carried hope as their constant companion. Our focus is firmly on the horizon to strengthen operations, and to continue the mahi of protecting and nurturing our whenua and pūtea. These steps will ensure Mangatawa remains resilient and future-focused, a source of strength and prosperity for our whānau and mokopuna.
