The New Zealand Maori Council has expelled deputy chairperson Maanu Paul, claiming he's brought the organisation into disrepute.
Mr Paul was appointed as acting chair last year by its long-serving chairman Sir Graham Latimer - who's in poor health.
But the council says that action was not approved by the executive committee and Mr Paul has been speaking without authority, on the council's behalf.
Mr Paul says he has not brought the council into disrepute and he will challenge the expulsion.