Parliament has voted to give three more iwi a role in managing the Waikato River.
MPs voted 113 to five to allow Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa and Te Arawa to participate in the co-governance of the river alongside Waikato-Tainui.
ACT was the only party to vote against the legislation, which complements the Waikato-Tainui River Settlement Act passed earlier this year.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says the goal is to restore and protect the Waikato River for present and future generations.
He says the legislation recognises the shared aspirations of Maori and the Crown, and reflects an enlightened approach to contemporary Treaty relationships.