Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman Toby Curtis says he's aiming for a so-called tribal parliament for his people to be in operation by the start of next year.
Te Arawa groups in Bay of Plenty are looking at establishing a superstructure which would unite descendants and build on achievements by iwi organisations involved in areas such as business and fisheries.
An idea to form a tribal parliament gained momentum at Te Arawa Lakes Trust's annual meeting in Rotorua, earlier this year.
Mr Curtis, says all the necessary paperwork for the superstructure has almost been completed.
Details will be ready to take back to people in the next month or two to provide an idea on the progress being made and to hear their reactions.
