Ngati Porou chairman Apirana Mahuika says the East Coast iwi has to be pragmatic about the Government's intention to partially sell four State energy companies.
Mr Mahuika was among about 80 people who attended a consultation hui in Gisborne on Wednesday, on legislative changes the Government considers necessary for the sales to go ahead.
He says the iwi has to accept 49% of each SOE will be sold, but make sure there is a protective mechanism for Maori in new legislation.
Mr Mahuika says that means ensuring section nine of the SOE Act is not only transferred to new legislation, but is strengthened to ensure the protection of Maori rights under the Treaty of Waitangi.
