Ngati Mutunga in north Taranaki has become the first iwi to sign a memorandum of understanding with the New Plymouth District Council on how the two parties should work together in the future.
Iwi chair Jamie Tuuta says its seeking cultural and economic benefits from the deal, including collaborative projects.
He told Waatea News the iwi has wanted to improve its relationship with the council since it started Treaty settlement negotiations with the Crown 15 years ago.
Mr Tuuta said Ngati Mutunga wanted a stronger relationship with the council at operational and governance levels than it could get through participation in New Plymouth's iwi liaison subcommittee.
