A former assistant of the Māori King has been sentenced to 12 months’ home detention and 300 hours of community work. He was also ordered to make full reparation for stealing approximately $111,000 of charitable funds and lying to the Serious Fraud Office.
Te Rangihiroa Whakaruru (57) committed the offences while he was employed by a charitable trust that provided financial support to the office of the Māori King. He pleaded guilty in December last year to five charges of ‘Obtaining by deception’ under the Crimes Act and one charge of ‘Supplying false or misleading information’ under the Serious Fraud Office Act.
The six charges were brought by the SFO in relation to Mr Whakaruru’s role as principal private secretary to Kiingi Tūheitia, the Māori King. The defendant’s role has also been described as general manager or chief executive of Ururangi Trust.
The Director of the SFO, Julie Read, said, “Mr Whakaruru abused his position of trust, by deceiving members of the Waikato-Tainui iwi, to steal a significant amount of charitable funds. The defendant’s criminal and selfish actions have compromised the reputation of the Office of the Māori King. The active misleading of the SFO during an investigation is a serious offence and resulted in additional public funds being spent to resolve this case.”
- How to Boost Your Law Firm’s Online Visibility: Key Tips For Law Firm SEO in 2023Boost your law firm’s online visibility with these key tips using tactics in 2023 including great law firm content marketing tactics.
- 5 Reasons Why Every Small Business Should Hire a Business Attorney . . From A Small Business Legal ExpertSmall businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and as such, they must be protected. Every small business owner should have a business attorney on retainer, according …
- Workforce Challenges Ahead Says Employment Law Firm Workplace SurveyEmployment law leader Littler have undertaken a major survey of over 450 US employers, revealing insights into layoffs and hiring practices among companies. The survey indicates the concerns …
Workforce Challenges Ahead Says Employment Law Firm Workplace Survey Read More »
- NZ Legal News – Auckland-Based Bankside Chambers Appoint New Singapore-Based MembersWe are delighted to announce two new members who will be permanently based at the Bankside Chambers Singapore premises. Karen Chow and Rina See are international dispute-resolution specialists, …
NZ Legal News – Auckland-Based Bankside Chambers Appoint New Singapore-Based Members Read More »
- Shearman & Sterling Senior Partner Goes – Along With Previous DeparturesShearman & Sterling Senior Partner leaves following failure of proposed merger with Hogan Lovells