A late night appeal has been filed over the High Court's ruling, the Children's Minister wouldn't need to front up to the Waitangi Tribunal

Karen Chhour had been summonsed by the Tribunal to explain her plans to repeal a section of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

Prominent Treaty activist and lawyer Annette Sykes, on behalf of Ngati Pikiao, is appealing the ruling.

Sykes says the appeal is supported by members of Kingitanga, Tainui and the Maori Women's Welfare League.

She says it's not just about te Tiriti o Waitangi - it's about the fundamental right to be treated equally before the law.