An eastern Bay of Plenty tribe says it's not interested in talking about fossil fuels with the Crown's first Maori envoy for oil and mining.
The Ministry of Economic Development has appointed former Wellington police commander Pieri Munro to the role of iwi relationships manager in its petroleum and minerals division.
He says he's looking forward to meeting and liaising with Maori throughout the motu, or country.
Te Whanau-a-Apanui - which is opposed to deep sea oil drilling off East Cape - says it only wants to hear about renewable energy and environmentally safe practices.
Iwi spokesperson Robert Ruha says it's only interested in green fuels.
He says his tribe is not prepared to strike any deals with Mr Munro unless it is about stopping mining, fracking, or oil drilling.
Mr Ruha says his people are serious about looking after the environment over any exploration ventures.
