UPDATED 5.18PM The Prime Minister is steadfast in his opinion that the dispute over the Kermadec Ocean sanctuary won't see a split with the Maori Party.

Maori say the law setting up the sanctuary overrides a full and final 1992 Treaty settlement giving them fishing rights in the area, even though they've never used them.

The matter is now going to court and the Maori Party is considering pulling its support from the National Government.

But John Key remains adamant they'll find a way through the impasse.

"There's zero chance in my opinion of it escalating to a more serious issue with the Maori Party. I mean we have a great relationship with them, but there is no rush. I mean ultimately there hasn't been on ocean sanctuary ever before, so if we have to wait a little longer, we will."

Green party co-leader Metiria Turei said it's up to the Government to mend fences. Ms Turei said the sanctuary should have been a triumph, but it's not too late.

"The Government has royally screwed this up, Nick Smith has made a terrible mess, and they now have to clean it up."

But the Environment Minister isn't backing down over the issue. Nick Smith said all quota holders need to be treated the same.

"I don't think we can have a regime that says some sorts of quota holds can continue to fish and others cannot."

Mr Smith said protecting the ocean trumps iwi claims. 

"The Pacific Ocean has got substantive threats environmentally, and all countries in the Pacific need to step up."