Trust head cites toxic culture
The head of Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust has resigned citing a toxic culture and ‘‘unbridled’’ power wielded by management as the reasons for leaving.
Stuff has obtained Kim Skelton’s resignation letter, sent to trustees, as well as Taranaki Wha¯nui management and directors, on May 13.
Port Nicholson Block Settlement
Trust (PNBST) was set up to manage the Treaty of Waitangi settlement for Wellington iwi Taranaki Wha¯ nui. Skelton took over as trustee and chair of PNBST in 2019.
Her letter of resignation shows how much has soured since.
‘‘For seven months, I’ve strived and struggled within a toxic boardroom environment to serve the best interests of the 19,000-plus members of Taranaki Wha¯ nui.
‘‘Hate, personal vendettas, threatening and self-serving behaviour have no place at the governance table.
‘‘For these reasons I am compelled to resign.’’
Skelton alleged that ‘‘unbridled power wielded by management had effectively gagged trustee governance oversight and the ability to hold management to account’’.
She claimed that documents were filed to the Ma¯ori Land Court by management, in trustees’ names but without their approval or delegation.
She also claimed that Taranaki Wha¯ nui management were contracting a current trustee to be part of the management team, ‘‘despite early efforts by trustees to set policy stopping this fundamental and obvious conflict of interest’’.
Former trustee Catherine Love confirmed the legitimacy of the resignation letter and said PNBST was in an ‘‘absolute shambles’’ and had become ‘‘inoperable’’.
She called for a full review of PNBST’s actions for the past five years and said an independent commissioner or statutory manager was needed.
PNBST and Skelton have been approached for comment.
The trust declined the opportunity.