Legal action has delayed a decision by the Crown Forestry Rental Trust on whether to fund a series of Treaty claims in Northland.
Te Manu Korihi understands there is an allegation of a conflict of interest involving a trustee and the legal counsel for one of the Treaty claimants, who is seeking money from the trust.
It's understood the trust now wants the trustee to step aside, in line with a policy on conflicts of interest.
But the trust says that trustee is now challenging the policy in the High Court.
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Chris Finlayson, is aware of the court action, but can't comment because proceedings have been filed.
The Crown Forestry Rental Trust regularly helps fund Waitangi Tribunal hearings, and its money also goes towards assisting claimants in preparing, presenting and negotiating claims involving Crown forest lands.
