The Maori trustees of Poroti Springs near Whangarei say their Treaty claim can be resolved only by restoring their authority over the water.
The springs were vested in the hapu by court order in 1896 and gazetted as a Maori Reserve in 1957.
But the trustees say they have been powerless over the years to stop the granting of water rights to an irrigation company, a water-bottling company and the Whangarei council.
Spokesperson Lorraine Norris said the water levels have been reduced and much of the fish-life and water-cress that used to feed the people, have been wiped out.
She said the Treaty of Waitangi gives Maori rangatiratanga (authority) over taonga, like the springs - but that is denied them by the Resource Management Act.
Ms Norris said Poroti trustees should be on an equal footing with Northland Regional Council, when it comes to water allocation.
More about the water claims can be heard on Insight.
