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Three Treaty settlements just sigend by the government could result in millions of dollars in benefits for eight iwi, but reaching them has taken a toll for Maori.
The deals with iwi from Ngati Toa, Kurahaupo and Tainui Taranaki cover a large chunk of the lower North Island, the upper South Island and West Coast.
The whole process has pushed family ties to the brink and some prominent campaigners are no longer here to see the fruits of their labour.
Athough unity was seen at the signing, there were tribal squabbles over tribal territory during the negotiations.
"With this process, sometimes you were made to choose the sides," says claimant Kiley Nepia.
Some tribes even went to war with each other during the 19th century and that sad past hasn't been forgotten.
"Everyone has a history. Our intial history, between different groups, is one of conflict and resettlement," says Paul Morgan from the Whakatu Trust.
It is places of historical significance, like Pa sites and burial grounds, where they want their mana (pride) restored.
For Nepia, just to be in parliament with his kuia (elder) has to be a start.
While some say the Treaty process is arduous and hugely expensive there's also the human cost.
"Those that dreamt of it happening are not here to see it it. It has been so long they have gone," says claimant Lovey Gieger.
And this signing is just the first step towards achieving their dreams.
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