Friend of iwi leader saddened at child abuse allegations

A close friend of the prominent iwi leader accused of child abuse by his widow says just a few weeks ago she was discussing plans for the unveiling of his headstone. Anihera Black's harrowing accusations on Facebook that Te Awanuiarangi Black was a predator who ran a child sex ring has rocked Maoridom and those who knew him. Pouroto Ngaropo grew up with Mr Black, he knows the children and the whanau well, and says the past few days have been tough and painful. He told our Maori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan that he had been working closely with the family in recent weeks on the unveiling of the headstone for Mr Black who died 18 months ago.