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Ngati Whatua Orakei is crying foul at the Government's decision to initial a deed of settlement with Ngati Paoa despite aspects of the deal still being before the Court of appeal.
The hapu is challenging Ngati Paoa being given the opportunity to buy properties in central Auckland.
Spokesperson Ngarimu Blair says Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson is trying to shore up his legacy before the election.
Orakei is dealing with the consequences of a challenge to the Tamaki Makaurau settlement process some years ago which results in the Waitangi Tribunal finding the crown should not settle with Ngati Whatua without also considering overlapping claims and interests.
Mr Blair says the Office of Treaty Settlements has torn up the rule that 1840 was the start date for claims and is acknowledging interests that pre-date that.
"And what we're seeing in our area in central Auckland, land which we regard as our heartland is being offered to individual tribes like Ngati Paoa, also the Marutuahu/Hauraki collective. We say that is a fundamental breach of tikanga. At the very least Ngatii Whatua should be consulted first and then consent to those types of transfers," she says.
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