A veteran Maori leader says the state should consider paying royalties, or compensation, to Maori over water rights.
A Waitangi Tribunal report is expected this week.
The Maori Council went to the tribunal fearing partial privatisation of hydro-electricity companies would undermine whatever rights over water Maori eventually win.
The co chair of the Maori Council and former Judge Sir Eddie Durie told the Q + A programme on TVNZ on Sunday that Maori are not seeking ownership of all the water in New Zealand, but rather have, what he called, their proprietorial rights over water recognised.
He said where it can be established that Maori have a continuing relationship with a body of water, then people using it could be required to pay compensation.
But where that continuing relationship could not be established, then Maori should get compensation from the state.
