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Māori-Crown Relationships Minister Kelvin Davis hopes the intervention of the Kiingitanga can bring some resolution to the stand off at Ihumātao
Kiingi Tuheitia visited Ihumātao on Saturday and invited the parties to meet at Hopuhopu later in the week.
Kelvin Davis says a lot of discussion led up to that point, and he hopes it will continue in a similar positive vein.
He's not sure what role if any the Government will play.
"That's up to the participants really. We're told as the crown to stay out of Māori issues. Māori have sought a Māori-focused resolution and I really welcome that. That is the way it should be and the crown comes in if and when we're invited," he says.
In trying to stop the development, Ihumātao protectors are also blocking a deal Te Kawerau a Maki negotiated with Fletchers that includes affordable houses for whānau with connections to Ihumātao and the return of an 8 hectare border strip.
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