A South Island tribe is criticising the Crown's negotiating tactics.
Ngati Rarua says the Office of Treaty Settlements broke off from talks whenever it wanted to.
The iwi says the process was not a negotiation because the Crown's position was fixed and immovable.
Ngati Rarua spokesperson Hemi Toia said discussions were held on the Government's terms.
He says negotiations usually mean two parties that each have the ability to say yes or no to things, but thinks the bargaining wasn't equal.
Ngati Rarua is due to sign its Crown settlement next month.
The office of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations has not responded to a request for comment.
