"Failed leadership
The paralysis now gripping Ngai Tahu might not be terminal but it is damaging, says The Press in an editorial. (Thurs 5 April 07)After Monday's vote of no confidence in its chairman, Mark Solomon, the tribe lacks an effective leader and has no certainty of finding another one soon. For an organisation responsible in substantial measure for the well-being of most South Island Maori, and important in the region's economy, this is a worrying state of affairs. This week's events have been beneficial in one respect. They have ended the impasse of an evenly divided board. Solomon now has lost much of the support he had and a majority of board members want him to relinquish power. The problem is that the move was not decisive; its success depends on Solomon's willingness to serve out his term while having much of his authority removed. It is symptomatic of the board's inability to do much right that it did not foresee that Solomon was bound to reject such a humiliating proposal. He is a leader of mana who has fought tenaciously for his corner – a man unlikely to accept ignominious sidelining. Drawn-out dismissal further embitters Solomon and his core supporters and prolongs the crisis. A simple motion to dismiss him would have avoided these bitter manoeurvrings and opened the way to new leadership. The factions are still talking but so much bad blood and confusion exists that a negotiated settlement is unlikely. The board should act decisively to remove its chairman and then all members should resign. Tribal elections are the best way to speedily produce what Ngai Tahu needs – a new and united board capable of electing and backing a competent chairman."
Comment: What this article is saying is that Tront have failed. Its now Tuesday 17 April 07. Tront met at the weekend and they have still not resolved anything. This is no longer a Mark Solomon issue. The issue is that Tront is no longer capable of governing and should therefore resign.