Tension is rising between Muriwhenua tribes in the Far North, as a second iwi asks the Waitangi Tribunal to order the return of state-owned enterprise property.
Te Rarawa leaders say they are acting to prevent a land grab by their neighbours Ngati Kahu.
In a rare resumption hearing last week, Ngati Kahu asked the tribunal to use its powers to force the Crown to return land held for the settlement of its Treaty claim.
That includes Landcorp Farms and land that has been sold to private owners since the claim was upheld.
Te Rarawa chairman Haami Piripi has now applied to the tribunal for binding orders returning six properties to his iwi.
Te Rarawa is set to sign its deed of settlement with the Government in October after years of negotiation.
But Mr Piripi says Ngati Kahu is attempting a land grab of property due for return to Te Rarawa - and his iwi is now forced to defend itself through the tribunal.
