Tuhoe say it's unlikely the rift between the iwi and police will be resolved before Police Commissioner Howard Broad steps down.
The relationship between Tuhoe and the police broke down after the 2007 police raids in Bay of Plenty
Mr Broad, who will finish his five-year term in April, says he would like to see Tuhoe and police brought together before he leaves his role.
If that's not possible, he says, he will help his replacement do it.
Tuhoe spokesperson Tamati Kruger says there's a long way to go to heal the rift, and nine months may be too short a time to achieve that.
He says good will and sincerity are required for there to be a durable peace.
