Ngai Tuhoe says a plan to manage social services for its people will eventually lead to the iwi taking over most of the responsibilities currently provided by the state.
The Cabinet approved the social service management plan earlier this week.
It aims to improve the lives of people living in Te Urewera, ranging from housing to the aim of having no Tuhoe children in Child, Youth and Family care.
The chief negotiator for Tuhoe, Tamati Kruger says as part of a 40 year plan initial changes will be made through collaboration with state agencies.
He says the first five years will be used to settle in to a joint relationship, as well as to work together to get results.
Mr Kruger says at the end of the period most of the social service areas set out by the plan should be looked after and paid for by Tuhoe.
The social service management plan is part of the tribe's treaty settlement package.
