Two central North Island iwi have begun the process to settle their Treaty of Waitangi claim with the Crown.
Minister in Charge of Treaty Negotiations Michael Cullen says the claims of Tapuika and Ngati Rangiwewehi have been heard as part of the Waitangi Tribunal's Central North Island inquiry.
They involve land to the west of Lake Rotorua.
Dr Cullen says it is the latest step in the Government's bid to settle all Treaty claims by 2020.
The two iwi bring to 10 the number of claimant groups to sign terms of negotiation with the Crown in the past 12 months.
The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on 6 February, 1840. It is the founding document of New Zealand.
