A $13 million Treaty settlement with a Chatham Islands iwi is a step closer after the Prime Minister visited the island for the first time on Friday.
Ardern was there to open a new museum and witness the return of a precious taonga, but also confirmed that an agreement in principle has been made with Ngāti Mutunga.
Residents braved the rain to greet the Prime Minister, who made a surprise announcement.
"I can also share that officials have briefed me on progress with Treaty negotiations, I'm heartened with the progress made and understand an agreement in principle is imminent as well," Ardern said.
The original aim of the trip was to open the museum and bring a precious taonga home after decades on the mainland.
Kaitiaki of the patu Miria Pōmare said today is "hugely significant".
It's also significant for the children, who got to meet their Prime Minister in the flesh.
"So cool to meet her," one said.
But the visit wasn't just about the museum and a Treaty settlement.
There are 650 permanent residents in the Chatham Islands and a key issue is access to safe drinking water - which is why Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has announced $500,000 to improve it.
"Members of the community here are regularly purchasing water from Christchurch, it just goes to show that's not sustainable," McAnulty said.
Chatham Islands resident Jenna Hoverd told Newshub "it's a huge problem".
"Some of our summers getting really long and winters shorter. Some people are already running out of water."
Despite the challenges the remote part of Aotearoa may face, they're a resilient and talented community - and one that should have their Treaty settlement with Ngāti Mutunga finally settled next year.
