Could there be a way forward to break the deadlock over Māori water rights? Some iwi leaders are backing a plan that would see major iwi stop plans to take court action over Māori water rights.

Iwi leader Willie Te Aho is championing a deal to double the government's funding for Māori land to $200 million.

In exchange, iwi chairs will promise not to take a water rights case to court for the next five years.

RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan reports.