Whanganui's treaty claim has been 140 years in the making. Today its descendants finally see it come to a close.
Waikato Tainui, Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tahu were a few of the tribes that showed their support today for this unique settlement.
Whanganui tribes will receive an $80million grievance fund and a separate $30 million will go towards the rejuvenation of the river.
Also for the first time in settlement history the Wanganui River named "Te Awa Tipua" today will be recognised as its own legal entity.
A contingent of international high commissioners and ambassadors from 10 countries arrived with Minister Chris Finlayson and he says this settlement is particularly important.
The next treaty settlement is Te Atiawa followed by an apology to Tūhoe.
