Raukawa Charitable Trust in Tokoroa says an agreement it has signed with Waikato Regional Council over co-managing part of the Waikato river is very significant for the iwi.
The agreement relates to the iwi's interest in the river from Karapiro to Huka Falls.
The Trust's environment group manager, Stephanie O'Sullivan, says it follows on from an accord reached last year with various government departments over management of the river.
She says the regional council has far ranging responsibilities for the river in the catchment where Ngati Raukawa has rights and responsibilities including kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
The catalyst for the joint management agreement was Parliament passing the Waikato River Settlement Act in May 2010.
