A signing to heal fractured relations between Tūhoe and the Crown is being described as unique by the Government.
The iwi and the Government have signed a relationship agreement to allow a fresh start after 140 years of difficulties, including police raids in 2007.
It also acknowledges Tūhoe's grievances with the Crown, the mana of both parties and a commitment to develop redress for a settlement of historical grievances.
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Chris Finlayson says the approach to the relationship agreement hasn't been used with iwi before.
He says the Government tries to deal with everyone's unique circumstances as best it can, and the relationship agreement is a good way of advancing negotiations with Tūhoe.
The signing took place in Ruatāhuna, in central Bay of Plenty, on Saturday.
