The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has created a new role of manager of iwi relationships which the Ministry says will provide more constructive engagement with Maori and to promote petroleum and mineral development options.
However, Te Whanau Apanui - which has been protesting against drilling for oil off the East coast - doesn't see any need for the new position.
Spokesperson Robert Ruha says the iwi has been dealing directly with Government since 2004 and wants to continue that situation without a go-between.
He says he can't see the relevance of the role except as a "hired bully".
MED says it's not employing a bully and characterises relations with Maori as good, but able to be improved.
