A Ngati Tuwharetoa spokesperson claims Ngati Rangitihi is suffering from contradictory leadership.

An agreement's been signed between Carter Holt Harvey, Norske Skog Tasman, and Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Awa, and Ngati Rangitihi, regarding the effects mill activities have on the Tarawera River.

But one Ngati Rangatihi member claims the signing of the memorandum of understanding was not on behalf of all iwi members.

Director of the Tuwaharetoa Settlement Trust Graham Te Rire says the iwi would have signed the agreement, but it lacks one voice.

He says the iwi has its differences and Tuwharetoa still finds it difficult to recognise which is the right group to speak with.