Embattled Ngai Tahu chairman (kaiwhakahaere) Mark Solomon is refusing to comment on his future with the iwi.
On Monday, kaumatua from his own marae called for his resignation as the Kaikoura representative of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront), following concern over his leadership.
Mr Solomon has been a representative on Tront since 1995 and the elected chairman since 1998.
The Otago Daily Times understands a petition calling for his resignation is circulating among iwi members.
Requests for an interview with Mr Solomon were turned down this week and, instead, a statement detailinghis meeting at Parliament on Tuesday was released.
Mr Solomon and Ngai Tahu chief executive Anake Goodall met Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples and Minister of Finance Bill English to forge a "new era of relationship between the Crown and iwi".
"Ngai Tahu and iwi are the perfect partners for the Crown. We want to promote growth through development and we want to invest in our nation through partnership," Mr Solomon said.
Investment in national infrastructure by the iwi was discussed at the meeting, he said.
It marked 10 years since the Ngai Tahu settlement.
The iwi has more than $600 million in assets and "we are committed to New Zealand and we are letting the Government know".
