A Taranaki iwi says the rejection of a seabed mining project has set the precedent for any future applications.
Trans-Tasman Resources had asked to mine for iron ore in a 66-square kilometre area of seabed 22km off the coast of Patea.
It was the first ever proposal for that type of project.
The Environmental Protection Authority says there was uncertainty about the potential of effects on the environmental and on existing fishing and iwi interests.
Ngaruahine chief negotiator Daisy Noble said the decision sets the bar for any future proposals.
She said it was significant as it showed others their concerns would be taken into account.
Ms Noble said it had won the battle so far, but believed Trans-Tasman Resources will appeal the decision, and it has 15 days to do so.
Meanwhile, southern Taranaki iwi Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui says it's ecstatic with the decision to reject the project.
Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui Trust chief executive Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said it made extensive applications opposing the application because of the unproven and unsafe mining methodology.
She said she was jubilant its concerns were listened to.
Ms Ngarewa-Packer said although Trans-Tasman Resources had the opportunity to appeal the decision, the trust was confident it would not be going through with it.