Updated 2.52PM: Calls from the Labour leader for a conversation about iwi self-governance are being rubbished by a Maori leader.

Andrew Little has sparked controversy by suggesting self-responsibility be considered, after the Waitangi Tribunal found Northland Maori did not cede sovereignty with the Treaty.

Little concedes his comments on self governance for Maori will be divisive.

"The fear is always that these things turn into a 'they are getting special privilege' or 'they are getting a control we would never be able to have'," he says.

"We have to be sensitive to that, but we've also got to understand for iwi now and those who have had their settlements and developed their own economic base, there are some things we might want to say they can be responsible for that is consistent with historical obligations."

"If we start to carve out different rights and different interests from that people start think, well if they can have it why can't I have something special as well?"

Ngapuhi kaumatua David Rankin says it's easy for Mr Little to make such comments when he's in opposition.

"What Andrew Little is actually talking about is a form of apartheid where you have two separate identities," he says.

Rankin says the concept of two sovereign states in one country simply cannot work, and Maoridom as it is now is not capable of governing itself.

"Even Maori themselves would not be able to self-govern. It's the problems we're having with our trust boards and resources going down to grass roots."

But Little says he isn't concerned about losing support for his comments, because it's an important issue to discuss.