The authority trying to settle Ngapuhi Treaty claims has announced fresh elections, in a bid to get more hapu on board.
Hapu took to the streets of Whangarei in protest over the mandate. Photo: RNZ
Fewer than half of the 100-plus hapu that make up Ngapuhi are represented on Tuhoronuku, the runanga-linked board claiming the mandate to negotiate the massive settlement.
Tuhoronuku and its mandate process have been boycotted by a large number of claimant groups.
But the deputy chair of Tuhoronuku, Sam Napia, said some hapu have now changed their minds, and the new round of elections will give them the opportunity to join in.
Mr Napia said the new elections will be expensive, but are needed.
Hapu opposed to Tuhoronuku are awaiting a report from the Waitangi Tribunal on their claims that the mandate is invalid.