The Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 is a significant piece of legislation in New Zealand that resolved historical grievances of the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe). This Act was established to address the injustices faced by Ngāi Tahu regarding land loss and breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. The Act provided Ngāi Tahu with financial compensation, the return of some lands, and the establishment of a framework for ongoing relationships with the government. It also recognized the cultural and historical significance of Ngāi Tahu, allowing the iwi to manage their resources and promote their heritage effectively.