The office of Māori King Te Arikinui Kiingi Tūheitia has been raided by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) amid an investigation into mismanaged funds.
Hard drives and documents were taken by investigators from the office on Tuesday morning, Māori Television reports. The office is located within the Endowed College Buildings in Hopuhopu, near Ngāruawāhia.
"The Serious Fraud Office executed search warrants this morning in relation to an investigation concerning the Ururangi Trust," an SFO spokesperson told Newshub.
"This included a warrant for the premises occupied by the Ururangi Trust."
The spokesperson refused to disclose any more details about the investigation, in an effort "to protect the integrity of the investigation and those involved".
The SFO raid comes amid an investigation by the Charities Services into Ururangi, a charity that received $2 million in funding from Tainui iwi each year.
Ururangi is alleged to have splashed out on luxury cars and overseas trips, NZME reports - and there is also a mystery $46,000 invoice for stomach-stapling surgery, which is believed to be under particular scrutiny from the Charities Services.
It is not clear who actually received the weight-loss surgery.
The charity status of Ururangi is under threat, Māori Television reports.
Newshub.
