P.M. joins talks on loan affair

Press, 5 January 1987, Page 2

P.M. joins talks on loan affair

PA Auckland The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, will meet Maori people in Auckland on Wednesday to discuss the $6OO million Maori loan affair. The talks will be held at the Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland. Mr Lange on Friday met the marae director, Dr Peter Sharpies, and a steering committee formed to organise the hui and set the date. The two-hour meeting was private. Dr Sharpies said the discussions centred on points raised at a hui on Monday, which expressed concern about the future of the Maori Affairs Department and two department officials who helped to set up the loan. The officials, the Secretary for Maori Affairs, Dr Tamati Reedy, and his deputy, Mr Neville Baker, had been suspended for a month, the hui alleged. The State Services Commission denied the claim, saying the two officials were on leave. The hui decided to call for a meeting with Mr

Lange to discuss the two officials and other matters related to the loan issue. Mr Lange was made aware of the hui’s concerns, Dr Sharpies said. The suspension matter would have to be pursued through the State Services Commission. Dr Sharpies said next week’s meeting would be a general discussion about the overseas loan deal. It is expected to attract Maori leaders and officials from the Maori Affairs Department.