The West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board has made a start on mending the rift between the board and its Maori members.
Chairman Keith Morfett says a workshop with a facilitator last Friday, held by video conference, brought all members together for the first time since December.
DOC called off the last scheduled meeting at the request of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, which had concerns about its stance on manawhenua issues and Treaty principles.
Dr Morfett said the workshop had gone well, but it was a first step, and board members were now trying to find a way forward.
No date had been set yet for a formal meeting, he said.
Following the stand-off, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage commented that it was for the board to decide when and where to meet, and for DOC to support it.