Ngati Hine members are rallying to oust three people elected to represent them in Treaty of Waitangi negotiations.
The election process for the mandated authority, Tuhoronuku, allows individuals to nominate kaikorero, or representatives, without hapu support.
Lawyer Willow-Jean Prime says because Ngati Hine is boycotting Tuhoronuku, three rogue reps - including an Australian - have been elected unopposed.
She says the hapu needed only 90 signatures to withdraw the three, but in just two weeks they have collected 1000.
She says that suggests that the leadership of Ngati Hine, who have been opposing Tuhoronuku for four years, has strong support from members, while the Tuhoronuku individuals, who purport to represent Ngati Hine, do not.
Ms Prime says if more rogue nominations go forward, Ngati Hine will simply repeat the process to get rid of them.
Tribe tried to influence minister - Titewhai Harawira
Meanwhile outspoken Ngapuhi kuia and Tuhoronuku supporter, Titewhai Harawira, says Ngati Hine has tried to influence the Minister for Treaty Negotiations, Chris Finlayson, by gifting a precious taonga.
Titewhai Harawira, right. Photo: RNZ
Ngati Hine representatives are said to have presented the Mr Finlayson with a piece of rare dark puriri, which was of great significance to the tribal group.
Mrs Harawira believes Ngati Hine was encouraging the minister to give Ngati Hine a separate settlement.
