A council of elders from Ngapuhi hapu is set to be established as a way to bridge the current division within the iwi.
Ngapuhi kaumatua Kingi Taurua held a hui on Saturday after two "secret" meetings were held by the Ngapuhi Runanga after chairman Sonny Tau allegedly took kukupa from the Ngai Tahu iwi's rohe.
The first hui was held at the Runanga office where Mr Tau reportedly sought his elders' blessing to continue as chairman of the group, the second hui saw a group from Ngapuhi head to the South Island to apologise to Ngai Tahu.
Mr Taurua said earlier in the month he wished to go down to Ngai Tahu and apologise with other Ngapuhi elders so he was frustrated he and other Ngapuhi elders were not notified about either of the two meetings.
"It was about these secret meetings the Runanga was having. We want this council of elders to set up so these meetings are inclusive."
Mr Taurua said the council would act as a group, separate from Tuhoronuku and the Ngapuhi Runanga, so that iwi had somewhere to bring their concerns. He said any meetings that did not include the council would not be considered legitimate.
Mr Taurua said members of the Ngapuhi Runanga and Tuhoronuku attended the hui and were generally supportive of the proposition to establish the council.
A meeting will be held on August 7 to establish the council of elders. Mr Taurua said the hui did not talk about Mr Tau as the matter was before the courts.