Auckland tribes have again got the future of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours in their Treaty settlement sights.
Over the weekend, most members of the Tamaki Collective signed an agreement with the Crown that will return volcanic cones, islands and reserves to Maori.
Although the Government recognises that the city's big harbours are of cultural, historical and spiritual importance to the tribes, it was agreed they would be left off the negotiating table until another day.
Chief negotiator Paul Majury says he might be heading tribal talks over the future of the harbours.
He says negotiations to gain cultural redress for the Waitemata and Manukau harbours could start after the Tamaki Collective Deed of Settlement that was signed on Saturday becomes law.
The Government expects that legislation to be passed before Christmas.
