The board accused of hijacking the Ngapuhi Treaty settlement negotiations says it will accept a mediation offer by the Taitokerau District Maori Council.
Hapu took to the streets of Whangarei in protest over the mandate last year. Photo: RNZ
The board, Tuhoronuku, has been granted the mandate to negotiate with the Crown for the iwi, but it represents fewer than half of Ngapuhi's more than 100 hapu.
Deputy chairperson Sam Napia said Tuhoronuku was doing its best to get more hapu on board by holding fresh elections.
He said the board would accept an invitation from the Taitokerau Maori District Council chairperson, Rihari Dargaville, to attend a meeting with the estranged hapu.
Mr Dargaville said the Ngapuhi settlement process being promoted by the Government had been highly divisive.