A Maori Party MP says he's shocked by the sentences handed down on Tuhoe activists Tame Iti and Te Rangikaiwhiria Kemara.

They were both jailed for two and a half years on firearms charges in the High Court at Auckland on Thursday, after the trial of the "Urewera Four" in relation to military-style camps in the Ureweras in 2006 and 2007.

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell says the case was botched.

"This was never just about the charges or the offences," he said.

"This was about Tuhoe and the mess caused in the lead-up to this sentencing - how can you cover up a botched case? Cover it up by giving a harsh sentence."

Mr Flavell says he has discussed with Iti the possibility of seeking a ministerial inquiry or a royal commission of inquiry, and he's going to pursue that.