The largest hapu in Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine, is taking court action in a bid to stop the mandating process to settle the iwi's Treaty claims.
The runanga-led board, Tuhoronuku, is into its second week of hui around the country, seeking approval to negotiate with the Crown.
The tribe is New Zealand's largest and its settlement is set to be the biggest so far.
Ngati Hine chairman Waihoroi Shortland, says his hapu has asked the Maori Land Court to issue an injunction stopping the process.
Other Ngapuhi hapu who also object to early settlement have asked the Waitangi Tribunal to intervene.
The dissenting hapu want the Waitangi Tribunal to hear the Ngapuhi land claims, before negotiating a settlement and say Tuhoronuku does not fairly represent them.
