The settlement of a local iwi's Treaty claim has moved a step closer with an agreement on the terms of negotiation.
Uenuku, based mainly around the Raetihi and Ohakune areas, has signed negotiation terms for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
Uenuku Charitable Trust chair Aiden Gilbert signed for the iwi, and Treaty Negotiations minister Chris Finlayson for the Crown.
Mr Gilbert said the signing marked a significant milestone.
"We have hit the ground running and have already started work on this next phase to negotiate an Agreement in Principle to settle historical land claims on behalf of the descendants of Uenuku, Tamahaki and Tamakana.