Genealogy Row Threatens To Divide Iwi

XtraMSN
04/04/2005
NewstalkZB

The row erupting over Ngai Tahu's genealogy guardian is threatening to divide the iwi.

Dr Terry Ryan, the iwi's former whakapapa unit, boss is being investigated after allegations he lied about his blood links to the tribe.

There are now reports Ngai Tahu wants to strike Dr Ryan from its roll.

But supporter and iwi member Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan says some members will remove their whakapapa files if the investigation is not stopped.

She says that would erode the whole basis of the tribal set up.

More than 34,000 names and histories are on the tribe's files.