A hapu on Great Barrier Island is closer to having its historical Treaty claims settled.
After two years of negotiations the Crown has signed an agreement in principle with Ngāti Rēhua.
It outlines a broad settlement package that includes historical, cultural and commercial redress, and a payment of $4.6 million.
The hapu's grievances relate to old land claims, early Crown purchases and the impact of native land laws.
In the final settlement, some land and reserves will be transferred to Ngāti Rēhua, though the Government says that will be subject to conditions relating to public access and conservation values.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says the deal is another milestone in the work aimed at settling all historical claims by 2014.
