APPOINTMENTS TO WAITANGI TRIBUNAL ANNOUNCED

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon John Luxton today announced three new appointments and four re-appointments to the Waitangi Tribunal.

"I am very pleased with the calibre of these Tribunal members and I am confident that they will contribute their knowledge and skills positively to the work of the Tribunal," said Mr Luxton.

"The members are:

New appointments

Ms Areta Koopu for a term of three years. Ms Koopu is the immediate past President of the Maori Women's Welfare League and has recently been appointed as a part-time Human Rights Commissioner.
Judge Richard Kearney for a term of three years. Judge Kearney has extensive judicial experience, and considerable community service. He has served as a district Court Judge for a number of years.
Dame Augusta Wallace for a term of three years. Dame Augusta has a long record of community service and extensive judicial experience. She has served as a District Court Judge for eighteen years.

Re-appointments

Ms Keita Whakato Walker for a term of three years. Ms Walker has been actively involved in the Maori community for over 20 years, is a fluent speaker of Maori with extensive knowledge of tikanga.
Sir John Ingram for a term of one year. Sir John has considerable business and commercial experience and also experience of resource management. He also has many community interests.
Ms Pamela Ringwood for a term of one year. Ms Ringwood has considerable academic legal research experience and has participated with a number of legal committees and District Council. She has also been involved with the Maori Women's Welfare League.
Mr Brian Corban for a term of three years. Mr Corban is qualified in history and law and has established his own legal practice. He has been particularly involved in the Broadcasting area in both leadership and restructuring roles.

"The Waitangi Tribunal membership comprises the Chief Judge of the Maori Land Court and between two and sixteen Tribunal members. These appointments brings the Tribunal to its full complement of members.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Tribunal members for their tremendous contributions to the work of the Tribunal, Professor Orr, Georgina Te Heuheu and Joanne Morris," concluded Mr Luxton.

Ends

For further information please contact:
Michelle Johns, Press Secretary
Telephone: wk (04) 471 9863
pager: 026 103 335

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