New Zealand First has taken a stand against a piece of Treaty legislation at the top of the South Island, saying smaller tribes are being cut out of Crown settlements.
Its seven MPs have voted against the Ngāti Kōata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Claims Settlement Bill.
New Zealand First deputy leader Tracey Martin said the law has been rushed through.
She said it was a big claim, and smaller iwi have been left out because the Crown has chosen to negotiate with only a few tribes.
Ms Martin said the party's decision to vote 'no' was symbolic, to reinforce its argument that officials should have spent more time with the smaller iwi.
The legislation for the tribes has been passed, with broad support from other parties.
