A sub-tribe of Tuhoe has lost its bid to secure 10% of the Kaingaroa Forest.
Representatives of Ngati Haka Patuheuheu have been putting the case to the Waitangi Tribunal in Wellington.
The hapu says it was trying to reclaim the lands and resources that were originally under its kaitiakitanga. But at lunchtime on Friday, the Tribunal rejected its proposal.
Chair of the hapu Robert Pouwhare says his people are disappointed, but their claim will live on through their young.
He says the reasons for the claim will be passed down to their children and grandchildren - and taught in local schools.
Mr Pouwhare says they will ensure future generations have an acute sense of history and knowledge about what happened.
He says the the story of the Crown's role will also be told to tamariki.
