Court proceedings have been initiated against one of New Zealand's largest iwi by its former tribal chairperson.
Tania Martin is challenging her removal in 2012 as chair of Waikato-Tainui which came after months of bitter fighting among the tribal leadership.
Waikato-Tainui says Ms Martin is seeking reinstatement as chair and the iwi is seeking legal advice.
Ms Martin was stood down after a meeting of the tribe's leadership, at which she was accused of bringing the parliament into disrepute.
A power struggle between Ms Martin and former executive board chair Tukoroirangi Morgan played out in public in the months leading up to her removal.
Ms Martin released a report in 2010 alleging excessive spending by the board.