Knight’s downfall leaves PM with dilemma
Prime Minister Bill English is considering the best way forward in dealing with the ‘‘serious matter’’ of Sir Ngatata Love’s knighthood.
In a statement yesterday afternoon, English said he had asked the Cabinet Office for advice on the appropriate next steps in considering the question of Love’s knighthood.
The disgraced Maori leader, who is serving a 2.5-year prison sentence, was convicted in September for obtaining property by deception.
In May, the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal of his conviction and sentence. This followed Love being denied bail in November after High Court Justice Graham Lang said that he saw no sign of remorse from Love, despite acknowledging he suffered from a serious heart condition, diabetes and dementia.
The 79-year-old had until 5pm yesterday to appeal to the Supreme Court.
However, yesterday morning, Love’s lawyer, Jonathan Krebs, said he had received no such instructions. Love could still ask to file out of time.
If Love does not appeal, his knighthood could come into question. He was knighted for services to Maori eight years ago.
Yesterday, English said the question of Love’s knighthood was ‘‘a serious matter’’.
‘‘Given its significance, it’s important to follow a proper process … Once I’ve had an opportunity to consider that advice, I’ll make a decision as to how to proceed,’’ he said.
In September last year, a spokesman for then prime minister John Key said the issue of Love’s knighthood would not be considered until his avenues for appeal had been exhausted.
‘‘It would not be appropriate to comment at this stage. The prime minister will wait until any appeal period has expired before considering any question of forfeiture of honours.’’
Previously, Key faced calls to strip former justice minister and chairman of Lombard Finance and Investments Sir Douglas Graham of his honour. Key subsequently decided not to do so.
Part of the reason was that while Graham was knighted for his work relating to Treaty of Waitangi settlements, his conviction was for breaching his duties as a director of Lombard.
In the Court of Appeal decision, released on June 26, the judges ruled Love failed to persuade them that the High Court’s decision was unsafe.
‘‘We are not satisfied that justice miscarried. Dr Love’s appeal against conviction must fail accordingly.’’
In addition, the judges ruled the sentence was appropriate. ‘‘In our judgment, the end sentence of twoand-a-half years’ imprisonment was well within range, if not merciful, and could not possibly be criticised as excessive.’’
Love was charged in relation to a $1.5 million payment made from developers wanting to build on Tenths Trust land.
The money went into a company controlled by Love’s partner at the time, Lorraine Skiffington.
It was used to pay down the mortgage on a Plimmerton home the two had bought months earlier to live in together.