There is a call for Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau to stand down from all the positions he holds, including as chairman of the Ngapuhi runanga.

The Department of Conservation has now laid charges against him, after he was found with five dead kereru at Invercargill Airport.

Te Kotahitanga o Nga Hapu o Ngapuhi co-chairman Rudy Taylor said the positions Tau holds require a high degree of responsibility, sound judgement skills and trust.

He said the incident clearly casts a shadow over him.

"The guardianship.. he doesn't fulfil that responsibility very good so you know that is just an insult to Ngapuhi and I think the best thing for Sunny is to step down."

Mr Tau is due in court on the 24th of this month.