Ngātata Love

[6] He was made a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori in the 2009 New Year Honours,[7] and later that year accepted re-designation as a Knight Grand Companion of the same order following the restoration of titular honours by the New Zealand government.

[8][9] At the same time Love stated that he is a supporter of a New Zealand republic and that "Even though I am an avowed republican, we must never abandon the history we share with Britain.

"[10] In March 2009, Love suggested that secondary students should have the option of going to wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) rather than staying at school.

[11] Three years later he stepped aside from a number of positions representing Māori and the Serious Fraud Office said it was investigating a matter in relation to the Wellington Tenths Trust.

The Crown accused Love of taking two payments worth $1.5 million in late 2006 and early 2007.