Treaty negotiator, Te Oranganui chief executive and former head of the Whanganui River Maori Trust Board Nancy Tuaine sat at the foot of the signing table on the day.
"The signing of our Whanganui River Deed of Settlement, Ruruku Whakatupua, was such an amazing day - a day we have been waiting for over 160 years since the first legislation in the 1850s," she said.
"At our signing on Tuesday, the sun shone on a new chapter, as the iwi across Whanganui joined with the Crown, with non-Maori, and indeed with a distinguished line-up of ambassadors from right across the globe. It signalled a new start in our journey in nationhood; and gave me the courage to know we can create a stronger future."
The signing has also been called a watershed day for Ruapehu District Council (RDC) and its engagement with iwi by Mayor Don Cameron.
He was at the historic event with councillor officers and a district councillor.
He said the unique aspects of the settlement would begin a co-governance arrangement.
"This approach has been a challenge for some but I believe for future generations it will be the norm."
The settlement is the first in a series that will benefit Ruapehu people.
"The treaty settlements are going to provide significant resources for Ruapehu iwi that will benefit their people and flow through to benefit all Ruapehu communities. RDC is doing all it can to be a conduit for local iwi and to assist them to prosper," Mr Cameron said.
Horizons Region councillors also welcomed the Whanganui River treaty settlement.
Rod Pearce, who represents Wanganui along with councillor David Cotton, said progress toward it was collaborative.
"We would like to acknowledge the high level of engagement from both Crown and iwi throughout this process, enabling Horizons' representatives to actively participate in settlement discussions."
He was pleased with the settlement's innovative solution to complex issues.
He said Horizons would help with the settlement's Whole of River Strategy, which would address the river's health and well-being and complement the council's One Plan.
Mr Cotton said the strategy would recognise the river's social, cultural and recreational importance for both iwi and the wider community.