On the eve of Waikato-Tainui signing a Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown over the Waikato River, a hapuu further up the river has filed a last minute claim with the Waitangi Tribunal to protect its interest.
Waatea News reports that Ngaati Koroki Kahukura has mana over the river from Karapiro to Arapuni, but its claim is not included in Friday's settlement because its territory is outside the raupatu confiscation boundary.
Negotiator Willie te Aho says it fears the settlement could prejudice its prospects of reaching a fair deal with the Crown.
He says Marutuahu from Hauraki could also join the claim.
