There's a sense of optimism in the Taranaki town of Waitara as it looks to settle 150 years of land disputes.
The towns land was confiscated from Maori in the 1860's and was shortly after gifted to local authorities.
This has frustrated local iwi and other residents, who can't buy the land their homes are on, from the New Plymouth District Council.
However, a new bill which has just gone out for public consultation would gift some of the land back to iwi and allow the residents to buy their land.
Mayor Andrew Judd said the deal was not perfect for everyone but it's been a long time coming.
He said it was important for everyone to come together to move forward.
The town's land is largely owned by the New Plymouth District Council and leased to homeowners.
Under the proposed Local Bill on Waitara Endowment Land, properties would become available for purchase for the first time since it was confiscated from Maori in the 1860's.
The council and local iwi Te Atiawa have have agreed some land back would be gifted to the iwi and to allow residents to buy the land.
The agreement has just gone out for public consultation.
Mr Judd said the land dispute has affected many parties for a long time.