Iwi and Hapū in Te Tai Tokerau are stunned by proposals which could restrict how they use their land and plan to march on the Far North District Council next week.
Up to 40 percent of land in the Far North may be reclassified as Significant Natural Areas to protect the high number of native plants and animals there.
Tangata whenua are furious they weren't told sooner - and say it undermines their role as kaitiaki or guardians of their land.
Down in Wellington, Ministers are urging the council to hold off.
Meriana Johnsen has this report.
