The number of properties set aside for Treaty settlements is growing - putting pressure on the government department that looks after the buildings, and affecting their condition.
About 900 properties are stored in what is known as the Land Bank, from which they are transferred to settlement claimants or sold.
The Ministry of Justice says its maintenance budget is under pressure and the state of some properties has got worse as it puts off repairs.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says speeding up settlements is one way to deal with the problem so that properties can be released.
Mr Finlayson says he is also giving iwi the opportunity to take responsibility for the buildings before settlement by leasing the properties to them.
