Hundreds of Ngāti Maniapoto uri have arrived in Wellington, many travelling by special charter train, for today's third reading of the tribe's deed of settlement bill.
Bella Takiari-Brame, chairwoman of the post-settlement governance entity Te Nehenehenui, said it was an honour to be travelling to Parliament for this moment.
"Our whānau have been involved in this settlement process for over 30 years. This will be a significant occasion for current generations to witness, the next phase of our journey for our people.
"But we wouldn't be here without the efforts and commitment of those who walked before us, including our tūpuna, some who are no longer here with us. We must acknowledge their courage and sacrifice."
Maniapoto FM has been broadcasting the train journey, which began early yesterday morning from Auckland and picked up more than 180 whānau on the way in Hamilton, Te Kūiti and Taumarunui as it meandered along the North Island main trunk line through much of the Ngāti Maniapoto rohe in the central North Island.