The Government has refused a request by the Waitangi Tribunal to hold off on negotiations for the Ngapuhi Treaty settlement.
Some hapu took to the streets of Whangerei earlier in the year to protest the agreement with Tuhoronuku. Photo: RNZ
Last week, the tribunal held an urgent inquiry into the Government's agreement to settle its claims with Tuhoronuku - a board with strong links to the Ngapuhi runanga.
Fifteen hapu and almost 70 interested parties have challenged the mandate, saying they have no faith in Tuhoronuku.
The tribunal will release its findings and recommendations next year. It has asked the Crown to consider holding off on further dealings with Tuhoronuku until the report is done.
However, the Crown said it would continue working with the mandate, as anything that was decided on before the report was released could be undone.
Meanwhile, a hui will take place before Christmas with all hapu to discuss the next steps forward for the settlement for New Zealand's biggest iwi.