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Ngapuhi chair Sonny Tau says his critics need to test their views by seeking the votes of Ngapuhi people.
The Government as accepted the mandate of the Ngapuhi Runanga-backed Tuhoronuku group to negotiate a comprehensive settlement of Te Paparahi o Te Raki claims.
Mr Tau says to get to this point, Tuhoronuku was changed to increase the number of hapu representatives and to become completely independent of the runanga.
A new board will be elected over the next three months.
"Anybody of Ngapuhi descent can put their name up and become the chief negotiator on the independent mandated authority just as much as I can or anyone else who is on there, so the door is wide open," Mr Tau says.
He says the Government’s decision has already been endorsed by a Ngapuhi council of elders.
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