The Conservation Minister says she didn't sign off on removing 44 back country huts in Bay of Plenty's Te Urewera.

Hundreds of locals are protesting the huts being pulled down and replaced, and Poto Williams has come under fire for the decision.

But she says she's had no role in this process - which was initiated by Te Urewera board.

She wouldn't answer whether DOC's sign off was needed.

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• Backlash and protests erupt as Te Urewera huts get demolished