Ngati Toa says its Deed of Settlement may set a precedent for other iwi to safeguard their taonga.
The treaty document initialled by the tribe's negotiators and the Crown on Thursday outlines the tribe's special connection to the haka Ka Mate Ka Mate.
The Government will recognise that by introducing special legislation, including right to attribution.
This means composer Te Rauparaha must clearly be identified whenever the haka is published commercially or used in public.
Taku Parai, chairperson of Te Runanga o Ngati Toa, says its deed might be an example for other tribes, which are trying to have their taonga, or treasures, protected.
