There is some discontent within Ngai tahu over the sacking of the head of the iwi's financial arm.
Ngai Tahu has voted to remove Wally Stone from his position as the chair of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation and replace him with an interim chair.
Te Rununga o Kaikoura chair Thomas Kahu, says the decision is completely irrational.
However, Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu chair Mark Solomon has defended the move, saying it was time for a fresh face.
He rejects claims it was due to personality clashes.
Mr Solomon says his vote was only one out of 18 - seven voted to keep Mr Stone on.
Board member Linda Constable has been named as interim chair until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Stone could not be reached for comment.
