A Ngapuhi leader says the government is trying to rush the tribe into settling its Treaty claims to score points with the public before the general election.
The Government has accepted that the runanga-led board Tuhoronuku has the mandate to enter negotiations for what will be the last of the major treaty claims.
But Pita Tipene of Ngati Hine said 63 percent of submissions on the mandate opposed it because hapu don't trust the runanga.
He said unless hapu control the settlement process, it could backfire badly on the Crown and lead to protests and protracted legal action.
Of the 22 places on Tuhorohuku, 15 will be hapu seats, but Mr Tipene said the runanga will control the election process and hapu have no assurance they will be fairly and honestly represented.
