Roger Pikia, the chairman of Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT), has appeared in court on a variety of charges including perverting the course of justice — all related to his role as chairman.
The 52-year-old did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Auckland District Court today on charges of obtaining by deception, corrupt acceptance of gift by an agent, receiving a secret reward for procuring a contract, perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit an offence.
The charges are in relation to Pikia’s role as chairman of TARIT and its investment company THL Limited.
The trust represents the interests of the three Te Arawa River iwi in the Upper Waikato River catchment area and aims to improve the wellbeing of the river, its tributaries and environs.
A co-defendant of Pikia, who is charged with ‘conspiracy to commit an offence’, was not present during the hearing.
Pikia released a statement after his appearance in court, saying he denies the allegations and will vigorously defend the charges.
"We have assembled a highly capable legal team and associates who will turn over every rock to defend these charges to clear my name and if necessary, go further to bring justice to our treaty settlement," he said.
"Members of my family, my friends my iwi Ngāti Tahu- Ngāti Whāoa and our Waikato River settlement entity the Te Arawa River Iwi Trust, all of whom have unnecessarily suffered."
Pikia has been remanded on bail to reappear in the Auckland District Court on 26 February.
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