Some of Central Hawke's Bay's Ahi Robertson's first memories as a child were of her grandfather's work on the Heretaunga Tamatea treaty claims, work she took up until the successful settlement last year.
Her efforts have been recognised in this year's New Year's Honours with her appointed an Officer of the Order of New Zealand Merit for her services to Maori.
Mrs Robertson joined her grandfather, Ihaia Hutana, seeking redress for the wrongful inclusion of Lake Whatuma (near Waipukurau) in the sale of the Waipukurau block in 1851 going on to become the lead claimant.
The resolution of the claim in 2014 and 2015 saw the return of 100 hectares bordering Lake Whatuma to the iwi, as well as the restoration of the lake's original name.
She said her grandfather would have been happy to see that day come.