The Government's intention to keep what it calls 'concepts' of Te Tiriti O Waitangi in new State Owned Enterprises legislation is being called 'vague' by a kuia.
Legislation is changing, because the Government plans to partially sell off four state owned energy companies.
It's a controversial move due to the Government considering not including Section 9 of the State Owned Enterprises Act in new legislation.
Section 9 says nothing shall permit the Crown to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Now, the Government says it will reflect concepts of Section 9 in the new legislation.
But a northern Hawke's Bay Maori elder Pauline Tangiora says the word 'concepts' is too vague, and doesn't reassure her.
She says it remains a dangerous area for many Maori who say they have the guardianship role and any weakening of that could be problematic.