Wananga are raising fresh concerns about the distribution of performance-based Government funding.

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has been warned the issue could make it to the Waitangi Tribunal.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Back in 2005 the tribunal accused the Government of limiting the type of education wananga could offer.

Now the issue is whether wananga funding should be based on course completion and drop-out rates, which may not reflect their service to Maori communities.

The Tertiary Education Commission says it's working with the wananga to avoid the need for a tribunal complaint.