The Government has announced it will set aside shares in state-owned energy companies for iwi that have not settled their Treaty claims.
It says the sale of up to 49% of Mighty River Power will take place in the first half of next year, subject to market conditions.
The Government also intends to sell up to 49% of Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy and Solid Energy.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson says iwi yet to settle their claims will be able to choose whether or not they want to get a percentage of their forecast settlement package "on account" in the form of shares in the companies to be partially sold.
He says those iwi that take up the offer must pay the full issue price, and any amount drawn down will be deducted from their final Treaty settlement.
Mr Finlayson says each iwi would be limited to 5%, 10% or 12.5% of their likely total settlement, depending on their situation, but the deal imposes no limit on further purchases.
He says if iwi take up the full offer, it would equate to less than 5% of Mighty River shares.
Iwi that take up the offer would have to wait for two years or until they reach an agreement in principle with the Crown, whichever occurs later, before they could sell their shares.
