The chief negotiator for Tuhoe believes few people have attended the Government organised hui on Maori water rights because they feel nothing will be gained from going.
Six hui have been organised with iwi and hapu who have ties to waterways used by power companies earmarked for partial privatisation.
The meetings are considering the share-plus option recommended in an interim Waitangi Tribunal report.
Fewer than 100 people have attend each of the four hui held so far.
Tuhoe chief negotiator Tamati Kruger says the low turnout is alarming but he wonders if more written submissions have been sent to the Government.
Mr Kruger says Tuhoe is not going to Thursday morning's consultation hui near Wairoa - but has made submissions to the Government.
