There's elation at Waitangi over New Zealand First's choice to go into government with Labour.
Pita Tipene Photo: Supplied
Northern Māori claimants are at Waitangi for the final days of Tribunal hearings on their treaty grievances.
Pita Tipene, who co-chairs the hapū alliance Te Kotahitanga - said a loud cheer went up at the announcement of the new government.
He said New Zealand First had made the best choice for the region, and for Māori.
Mr Tipene said Winston Peters campaigned strongly on the development needs of the north, including rail, forestry, and the port expansion.
He said the new government line-up could also be a circuit-breaker in the Ngāpuhi settlement talks that stalled under National.