A hui to help opposing hapu engage with the Crown over the Ngapuhi Treaty settlement is being described as fruitless.
Some Hokianga hapu met with government representatives yesterday to urge them to stop negotiating with Tuhoronuku.
A Waitangi Tribunal urgent hearing is being held into the selection of the negotiating body later this year.
A hapu collective, which represents 12 sub-tribes, demanded the hearing because it believes the Crown chose Tuhoronuku unfairly.
Hokianga o Nga Hapu Whanau spokesperson Rudy Taylor said they invited the representatives to speak with them ahead of the hearing.
He said they listened but didn't take on anything the hapu told them.
Mr Taylor said the Crown is telling them that the mandate for Tuhoronuku is going ahead regardless.