New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is questioning Auckland Council's plans to protect Maori heritage.
Mana Whenua wants to be consulted about work anyone wishes to carry out on sites of cultural value.
In Parliament, Mr Peters asked if iwi were to being given unlimited authority through the council's rule book, the Unitary Plan.
He said 19 tribes were in line to be given unbridled power to claim rights to any piece of land, and charge applicants thousands of dollars for approvals.
But Environment Minister Amy Adams said proposed cultural impact assessments in Auckland were about consultation, and the council was requiring consultation, not approval or veto rights.
The mechanics of any policy were being worked on by Auckland Council, she said.
