The push for Maori unity of water rights negotiations looked in danger of unravelling yesterday after one iwi asserted its right to negotiate as it saw fit with the Government.

How the PM might respond to the Maori King's water-rights claim.

The unity on display at the Maori King's "people's hui" on water on Thursday wasn't exactly replicated yesterday at a gathering of iwi leaders.

Maori King Tuheitia challenged the PM's dictum that no one owns the water by ending his hui last night with the declaration, "We have always owned the water!"

King Tuheitia's summit on water for Maori is expected to draw 600 today to Turangawaewae Marae - and a former deputy PM says the Maori Council and Govt have to compromise.

The Maori Council has told the urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing into water rights that a long-held belief by hapu and iwi of taniwha as guardian spirits of the waterways is strong evidence of Maori belief that they 'owned' the water.