More than three decades after Wairoa iwi lodged its Treaty claims with the Waitangi Tribunal, it is set to secure $100 million.
Kuia, kaumatua and whanau flew to Wellington today to witness the initialling of the deed of settlement.
If ratified, the financial redress will make it the fifth biggest Treaty settlement.
The chairman of the negotiating authority Te Tira, Tāmati Olsen, said today was significant.
"It's a really important milestone. It's the last significant milestone before we get onto the last furlong on the home-straight, so very wrapped - very excited that we've managed to get to this day."
Voting on ratification will take place over the next few months, Mr Olsen said.