A predicted boycott of a Crown hui on water rights in Hamilton on Tuesday night has been realised, with only 15 Maori attending and no iwi leaders present.
The hui for Tainui iwi and hapu was the first of six to be held around the country over the next two weeks.
Iwi leaders were true to their word and stayed away, and the 15 people who did attend included four children.
Finance Minister Bill English outlined the Government's plan for partially privatising state-owned power generators, which would involve giving Maori an extra shareholding - the so-called shares plus concept.
But Mr English told the hui a different plan could possibly be developed with iwi.
He says the small turnout was not a worry, as the Crown was still fulfilling its obligation to consult with Maori.
Mr English says the views ranged from vigourous to considered.
Two more hui will be held on Wednesday, in Taupo and Whanganui.
I probably wouldn't have turned up - Turia
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says she probably would not have attended the hui.
Mrs Turia, who is also a government minister, says it is inappropriate for the Government to say it is consulting when it has a predetermined position, and in the same circumstances she would not turn up either.
She says it is not for her to say whether or not iwi should attend but she has some sympathy for their stance.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson insists the Government is keeping an open mind, and has challenged iwi to come up with a convincing argument in favour of the special shareholding.
