Iwi from around the country will discuss Maori rights to freshwater at a national hui on Thursday at Turangawaewae.
The hui is a follow-on from the big gathering last year, hosted by the Maori King, Tuheitia.
But the King's representative, Tukoroirangi Morgan, says unlike that gathering, this one's not driven by the Government's latest plans to partially privatise hydro-power companies.
The Government's already floated shares in Mighty River Power, and investors will soon have the chance to buy into Meridian Energy and Genesis.
But Mr Morgan says that is not going to be focus of Thursday's hui.
He says the conversation will explore tribes' long-term attempts to protect Maori water rights, and find out what each iwi is doing.
Mr Morgan says that hui will also hear from groups which are in talks with the Government over Maori interests in fresh water.
He says the hui will look at how to formulate a united approach to the subject.
