Hut removals in Te Urewera have been called into question.

Tūhoe iwi authority Te Uru Taumatua began dismantling 44 DOC-owned huts in October.

But in November an injunction stopping further removals was granted after Tūhoe member Wharenui Clyde Tuna took the matter to court.

Tuna is arguing that demolition of the huts is unlawful and should stop.

He has used the huts for recreation and food-gathering since childhood and their destruction has caused great distress, the High Court at Rotorua has heard.

Twenty-nine huts have gone, but the injunction means further removals are on hold pending a full hearing into the case.

Court documents reveal a strained relationship between Tūhoe and DOC. The two entities have had joint responsibility for Te Urewera since 2014.

The documents also show there is no current operational plan for Te Urewera, upon which demolition of the huts is contingent.