The decision on a controversial dam project in Hawke's Bay could be delayed following claims the regional council has failed to adequately consult Maori.
After sitting for about six weeks last year the board of inquiry into the Ruataniwha Dam is expected to finish hearing submissions this week.
Ngati Kahungunu, which represents some 62,000 Maori, has told the board the process of consultation with Maori is flawed because the council did not engage with most tribes in the region.
Inquiry head Justice Chisholm has raised the possibility of extending the nine month statutory limit imposed on the inquiry to allow more consultation with Maori, but it is unclear at this stage whether this will happen.
