Court action looming over partial asset sales

Court action looms large over the Government's partial asset sale process.

The Government delivers its response today to the Waitangi Tribunal's recommendation that the process be halted while the issue of water rights is sorted out.

That response is expected to be full steam ahead with the partial sale of Mighty River Power.

The Maori Council says if that's the case, court action could be initiated within the hour.

Co-chair Maanu Paul says it's very important.

"This issue is such a big issue for Maoridom that we had to go all the way in terms of seeking redress and if that means going to the Supreme Court, that's where we'll end up."

It's not bound by the recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal, but Mr Paul hopes the Government follows its suggestion.

"They would be of the view that they should take a breather and consider what options they have for the future."

He says if the Government doesn't follow the report, the Maori Council will take the matter to court.

Prime Minister John Key says the Government has been recognising rights and interests.

"They may not necessarily be the ones that some parties want, but they are the rights and interest that we deem to be genuine and appropriate."

"It's a complex area, we've got to run through quite a lot of stuff for everybody and put all the context around everything this afternoon."

Mr Key's expected to announce the government's response this afternoon.