Chief Tuhoe negotiator Tamati Kruger says past promises to the tribe have been broken, but the new compact signed with the Government is different because it sets a course for the future.
"Both parties are walking into it with eyes wide open," Mr Kruger says, "and one of the main dimensions of it is that it sets a course for the future - so it's not just a historical political compact."
The landmark document - the signing of which was witnessed by about 500 people at Mataatua marae in the Bay of Plenty township of Ruatahuna on Saturday - acknowledges the iwi's grievances and commits both signatories to redressing them in a Treaty settlement.
Tuhoe says it believes the document will be honoured because both sides have contributed to it.
The Government says the signing is a fresh start, and it will now address the iwi's concern about a lack of provision for social services, such as access to medical services and housing.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told the gathering the Government was deeply sorry for the way Ngai Tuhoe had been treated in the past.
"We are also delighted," he said, "to be able to sign an agreement that promises a fresh start to our relationship - a relationship that has been blighted by the past behaviour of the Crown."
