The focus from the outset had been on dialogue with the Crown in the context of its review of the freshwater management regime.
"Iwi have made it clear their rights, interests and responsibilities in relation to water demand recognition in a substantive and meaningful way," said Sir Tumu.
"That requires engaging on a range of issues that go far beyond the current Crown proposals in relation to the sale of shares in MOM companies.
"The Iwi Leaders Group has never sought to usurp the right of individual groups to progress their issues in whatever forum they choose.
"Rather, we have been clear that our engagement with the Crown is directed at two important matters.
"First, ensuring that the long-term health and well-being of our waterways is at the forefront of any new freshwater framework and, secondly, ensuring that such framework fairly recognises and provides for iwi rights and interests within every catchment."
The group consists of Sir Tumu, Mark Solomon (Ngai Tahu), Toby Curtis (Te Arawa), Tom Roa (Waikato-Tainui) and Brendon Puketapu (Whanganui).