Far North iwi Te Aupouri will celebrate a major milestone tomorrow when it signs a two-part deal which gives it a hand in governing 90 Mile Beach.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson says he hopes it brings much-needed economic development to one of the most impoverished areas in the country, while a tribal negotiator said the iwi will work hard to move Te Aupouri to a brighter future.

Significantly, it is the first of four iwi in the region that will sign an individual settlement but also collectively settle issues of overlapping interests. As a group, the tribes - Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngai Takoto and Ngati Kuri - are known as the Te Hiku Forum.

The beach is one of the collective issues.

The deed of settlement to be signed at Te Kao's Potahi Marae recognises Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngai Takoto and Ngati Kuri will have 50 per cent membership on a new beach co-governance board.

The Northland Regional and Far North District Councils will fill the board's remaining share of seats.

Te Aupouri's individual deal includes $21.04 million which will be used to purchase two Crown-owned farms, part of Te Kao School and a government landbanked property.

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