Prime Minister John Key is being accused of "political posturing" over the Maori Council's bid to delay the partial privatisation of four state-owned energy companies.
The Waitangi Tribunal today opens a second day of hearings on the council's application asking for a finding that share sales should be put on hold until Maori water ownership claims are resolved.
Tribunal findings are not binding on the Government and Mr Key said yesterday the council's case had no merit because no one owned water.
"That has been well and truly dealt with," he said.
"We could choose to ignore whatever findings they might have."
That has upset the Green Party, which says he should keep quiet.
"John Key has trampled on the Waitangi Tribunal, dismissing its views before it has even had a chance to consider Maori water rights," Treaty of Waitangi spokesman David Clendon said.
"Key needs to allow the tribunal to make its decisions free from political posturing."
Maori Council co-chairman Manu Paul says he's confident the tribunal will find in the council's favour.
The finding will then be used to mount a bid for a High Court injunction to delay the share sales.
The timing will be tight.
The tribunal hearings are likely to go into next week and it is expected to take about a month to reach a decision.
The first share float - 49 percent of Mighty River Power - is due late next month or in September.
The Government has previously acknowledged that court action could delay the sale but it has rejected council demands for the process to be halted until the tribunal reaches a decision.
After Mighty River Power has been partially privatised the Government will go ahead with share floats for Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and coal miner Solid Energy.
NZN