Waitangi Tribunal negotiations with Tainui Taranaki have been suspended because a party to the negotiations has brought legal proceedings against the Crown.
The proceedings have been brought by Nelson-based company Wakatu Incorporation whose shareholders descend from one of the four Tainui Taranaki iwi.
Wakatu is seeking remedies through the courts that would duplicate those being negotiated by Tainui Taranaki.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says the Government has suspended the talks because the Crown could end up paying the same people twice for the same claims.
He says Wakatu's stance undermines the Tainui Taranaki negotiations and the iwi needs to resolve its internal differences.
