Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau is appealing to Northland hapu to listen to those who want early settlement of the tribe's Treaty claim.
Mr Tau came under strong attack at a public forum on Thursday from hapu who say they should be driving the claim, and its settlement.
They say the Ngapuhi land claims must be heard before the iwi enters any negotiations with the crown.
But Mr Tau said that would make it 2014 before Ngapuhi even starts talking about settlement.
He said a Horizon survey due out on Friday shows a majority of Ngapuhi want the $170 million claim settled as soon as possible.
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger acted as facilitator at the hui, but was unable to secure a firm agreement by the two Ngapuhi factions to reach a compromise.
