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Ngāi Tahu's leader has announced he will soon step down.

Sir Mark Solomon surprised many yesterday when he announced he will not seek re-election as the runanga representative for Kaikoura.

In 1998 he was elected head of the tribe's 18-member parliament, in the same year the iwi agreed to a $170 million Treaty of Waitangi cash settlement.

Sir Mark Solomon said the evolving executive was the main factor behind the decision.

"With the change in the executive at my rūnanga of Kaikōura over administrative processes and practices, I have considered my position as Kaikōura representative, and I have decided not to seek re-election."

Sir Mark said the move will not change his loyalty or passion.

"I envisage I will remain representative for Kaikōura until later this year when the Kaikōura election process is due to be completed.

"I am proud of how far we have come since settlement however, there is always a great deal of work to be done and we will continue to focus on that."

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said Sir Mark built a strong rapport with Canterbury following the quakes.

"Ngai Tahu have permanently cemented their place in the hearts of Cantabrians in a way that Maori never have done before, and that can be largely due to Sir Mark Solomon and his contribution at the helm.

Ms Fox said despite everything happening in Kaikoura, his departure won't put the area in jeopardy.

She said while there's controversy going on at the moment, the right person will step forward to take the reins.