Ngati Kahungunu says Hawke's Bay Regional Council is finally paying attention to what the iwi has to say about the proposed Ruataniwha Dam, but suspects that's because it has an agenda.
Councils and iwi in Hawke's Bay have made an agreement to talk about changes to the Tukituki River catchment.
The aim is to improve the quality and health of the river, aspects of which Ngati Kahungunu wants to safeguard.
Chair of the iwi runanga Ngahiwi Tomoana says the council has finally realised, partly as a result of a board of inquiry into the project, that it should liaise with Ngati Kahungunu.
Mr Tomoana suspects the council wants to move forward with the project, and talking with his tribe would help speed up the process.
He says if the tribe or other opposing groups appealed the proposal - a delay could take up to 12 months.