The Maori Council says one of its top priorities this year is to once again be fully in charge of Maori wardens.
Council control over the volunteers has eroded over the years because the council wasn't fully operational.
That has led to more administration and leadership of the wardens being handled by Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry for Maori Development.
The view within the Maori Council today is that the wardens are working for the Government.
Deputy chair of the Council, Rahui Katene, says the message to Te Puni Kokiri is that the Maori Council is back, is strong and the Ministry should take a step back.
