Some Ngāti Kahu iwi members in the Far North are threatening to block boat ramps in protest at the annual Doubtless Bay fishing contest this weekend.
A post to social media says fish numbers have decreased dramatically due to over-fishing in the area.
But other iwi leaders have responded saying discussions on the matter have not yet taken place.
Competition organiser Nick Ryan says the event is a community fundraiser and will still go ahead.
"They have no right to block boat ramps, they have no powers to do so, it would appear that people might be speaking just above their positions. But it's not to say that they cannot protest."
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