The chief negotiator for Tūhoe, Tamati Kruger, says a document signed by the iwi and the Government will be tested by the Government's response to the police raids in 2007.
At the weekend, 38 hapu and Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson signed what's being called a compact agreement.
The agreement acknowledges the mana of both sides and signals a new start to the relationship, while also highlighting a commitment to develop redress for a comprehensive treaty settlement.
Mr Kruger says both sides have acknowledged what happened four years ago.
He says if they didn't it would be like a big white elephant in the middle of the room.
Eighteen people face an assortment of firearms charges stemming from the raids in October 2007.
Mr Kruger says the issue will be dealt with once the court case is over.
One of those whose family was directly involved in the 2007 raids, Waiārani Harawira, says the compact agreement is a step forward for the Government which she says has admitted it did wrong.
She also says it's a reminder of what happened when police carried out the raids in the Urewera Ranges.
Mr Finlayson said he could not address the raids at the weekend signing because it was a matter before the courts.
