A King Country iwi is preparing to send a delegation to King Tuheitia's water rights hui on Thursday - and the tribe is taking along an unequivocal message.
As with many other iwi and hapu, Ngati Hikairo has formally declared that it is opposed to partial sale of state-owned power generators until its own Treaty claims are settled.
A kaumatua Jack Cunningham says his runanga is claiming rights to some of the assets that the Crown plans to partially sell.
He says privatisation would set unwanted precedents.
Mr Cunningham says the Kingitanga, or King movement, was established to create a forum where all tribes can meet and argue out a position.
He says Ngati Hikairo members will attend the water rights hui on Thursday at Turangawaewae Marae, called by King Tuheitia.
