Te Aupouri iwi in the Far North hopes a Treaty settlement package with the Crown, will set the course for economic recovery and greater opportunities for its people.
The signing of Te Aupouri's Deed of Settlement and the Crown's apology to the iwi, are key features of a three day Tu Ake Te Aupouri festival which begins in Te Kao on Friday.
About 95% of Te Aupouri people who participated in the settlement ratification process agreed to accept the package which the Crown offered.
An iwi trustee and treaty negotiator Peter-Lucas Jones says although no treaty settlement can really compensate or do real justice for an iwi, Te Aupouri looks forward to a better relationship with the Crown.
He says the settlement will put the tribe on its feet, rejuvenate economic activities and help realise the aspirations of the people.
