An iwi in the upper South Island has initialed a deed of settlement with the Government.
Ngati Kuia is now a step closer to finalising its grievances with the Crown.
Claims by the Iwi relate primarily to the Crown's failure to recognise customary rights in land purchases before 1865, to set aside adequate reserves and to ensure Ngati Kuia retained enough land for its needs.
The deed of settlement details an offer for redress.
Ngati Kuia must approve the document before it can be finalised and implemented through the settlement legislation.
The iwi is the first of eight with ties to land in the upper South Island to reach a settlement.
