Ugadi event sparks fresh questions in ongoing MATA leadership dispute

A leadership dispute within the Mana Andhra Telugu Association (MATA) has escalated, with competing factions presenting counterclaims in the High Court in Auckland over who lawfully controls the organisation. The legal matter has been before the court since it was filed in 2025.

The issue has resurfaced following the circulation of a poster promoting upcoming Ugadi celebrations in Auckland. The event, scheduled for 21 March, is being organised under a “refreshed” Mana Andhra Telugu Association (MANA) and is presented under a trademarked and registered entity. A trademark for a community organisation formally set up under the Societies Act has been registered in the personal name of Reginald Samuel, a development that has prompted questions around legal and governance considerations.

The development has drawn attention within the Indian community in New Zealand, particularly among members associated with a previously split faction.

Members aligned with one group have raised concerns about the use of the name and trademark while the matter remains unresolved before the court. They argue that public-facing activities risk adding to confusion during an ongoing legal process.

“the matter is currently before the Honourable High Court in Auckland, and spreading unverified claims while the case is still under consideration is both unethical and damaging,” said Bujje Babu, who identifies himself as the current President of MATA from a faction separate to the one that trademarked the society.

Former MP candidate and senior community leader Bala Beeram, member of the Advisory Committee, MATA, said that "publishing unverified or one-sided information during this time can create unnecessary confusion within the community."

“The publication contains unverified claims and lacks factual input from the broader membership,” Sushwanth Sai Konigeti, General Secretary, MATA, who is opposing the celebrations, told The Indian Weekender.

Vice President of Mana Andhra Telugu Association New Zealand (MATA Inc.), Sridevi, also echoed the same sentiments.

“Given that these issues are under judicial consideration, it would be prudent for all parties, including media organisations, to exercise caution and avoid presenting information that may create confusion within the community regarding the governance or representation of MATA NZ.”

The Mana Andhra Telugu Association was established in 2020, with Dr Reginald Samuel serving as its president for three years.  

Both sides claim legitimacy, while alleging that the other has acted outside the organisation’s constitution. At the centre of the dispute is a breakdown in leadership succession following the end of Samuel’s presidency in late 2023.

Samuel describes a breakdown within the association, seeking intervention from the courts after regulators declined to step in.

The opposing group, however, presents a different account, stating that leadership transitions were conducted through annual general meetings and in accordance with the constitution. They allege that Samuel did not hand over control of organisational assets after his term ended.

“When Mr. Reginald [Samuel] tenure was over and Reddy became the President, Reginald [Samuel] did not handover all the properties of the organisation to Reddy,” Babu told The Indian Weekender.

Babu said these assets included control over the website, social media platforms, bank accounts, ATM cards and equipment.

“Reginald [Samuel] said that whatever the bills need to be paid, I'll pay them,” Babu claimed.

Samuel disputes these claims and maintains that the opposing group does not have legitimate authority to operate under the association’s name.

He has also raised concerns about the use of branding associated with the organisation.

“They [the other faction] have been doing events. They have no authority. They are not registered,” Reginald said.

He confirmed that he had taken the matter to the High Court.

“I don’t want my five years worth of work to go to waste,” he told The Indian Weekender.

The opposing faction has also alleged that transactions from accounts held by Samuel’s side included payments for baby nappies, alcohol and cigarettes, claims which Samuel has denied.

“I can talk about the transactions for alcohol, which was wine bought for an event,” he told The Indian Weekender.

According to Babu and others aligned with his group, the dispute has disrupted association activities, including the cancellation of a major community event and disagreements over internal meetings.

They further allege that Samuel convened an unauthorised meeting in 2025, and formed a parallel committee without notifying elected members.

Both sides have accused the other of misrepresenting authority and mishandling funds.

MATA, which represents the Telugu-speaking community in New Zealand, has been known for organising cultural events and community initiatives.

“We came to an agreement with the lawyers after the last hearing of the matter that until this matter is resolved, no group is allowed to organise any events, but breaking the agreement, the group along with Reginald [Samuel] is hosting Ugadi,” Babu said.

Samuel disputed this, saying the other faction had also continued organising events.

The matter is scheduled to return to the High Court in April.

The association registered as a trademark with the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office, along with a Māori clearance certificate, lists Dileep Maddukuri as president, while the opposing faction recognises Bujje Babu as president.

The Indian Weekender is aware of similar instances of community organisations experiencing internal divisions and is examining the matter with due diligence. As a publication serving the Indian community, it remains committed to ethical reporting, accuracy, and presenting all perspectives fairly.