Parts of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement have been thrown into doubt following the release of a Waitangi Tribunal finding.
It has ruled that the Crown acquired northern South Island land and resources in violation of the rights of six iwi and failed to consider their interests while dealing exclusively with Ngai Tahu.
The report claims this is in plain breach of the treaty.
Ngai Tahu is saying very little while it digests the findings of the report.
Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon says it disagrees with aspects of the findings and is still considering its response.
He says there are a number of options open to the iwi and the report is another stage in a process that has consumed a lot of time and resources.
Solomon says the iwi wants to see the issue come to an end while achieving the best outcome for both parties and protecting Ngai Tahu's established customary interests.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Mark Burton says it is an extremely complex issue which will have to be dealt with carefully.
He wants to assure all parties that the government is committed to the durability of existing settlements, negotiated in good faith.
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