Ngati Apa and the Government have agreed in principle to settle a Treaty of Waitangi claim for the Rangitikei-based iwi.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Mark Burton said the signing at the Tini Waitara Marae in Turakina was a milestone and while the agreement was non-binding, he hoped the settlementcould be completed by mid-2008.
The agreement for the first time includes "cultural revitalisation redress" to revive Ngati Apa's tikanga (culture) and te reo (language).
The settlement also includes: an agreed historical account; an apology from the Crown; the transfer of 13 sites of historical and cultural importance and financial and commercial redress of $14 million including the return of licensed Crown forest land.
Te Runanga o Ngati Apa chairman Adrian Rurawhe said it was the best redress package available to Ngati Apa within the settlement process.
History shows that the Crown's policy was to acquire land as cheaply as possible. Ngati Apa were assured they would benefit greatly from the growth of European settlement around them.
For Ngati Apa, the transactions that transpired resulted in poverty, not partnership. With little land, Ngati Apa could not participate in the region's growing farming economy.
"This redress package takes us some way to addressing our ability to be active participants in the local economy," Mr Rurawhe said.
The agreement includes ownership of key cultural and historical sites, including; Motu Karaka, Waitapu, Lake Koitiata, Pakiki, Waimahora, Pakapakatea, Pukepuke and Kiwitea.
"In the next phase of the settlement process, we will turn our attention to licensed Crown forest lands. Ngati Apa is virtually landless, so it is of critical importance that we achieve the purchase of all the lands available to us through this process."
The agreement also includes the right to purchase the land under Whanganui Prison, Marton Police Station, Marton Court House and half of the Whanganui Forest.
Ngati Apa will also have a right of first refusal over two schools, the Bulls Police Station and the RNZAF Base Ohakea.
