Canada and New Zealand are recognised as leaders in implementing restitution programmes. Both countries saw fundamental changes in government policy shaped by the 1973 Calder decision and the Treaty of Waitangi Act, 1975. These changes in policy-making commenced from views that contested indigenous land claims and resources towards a two-way communication in which negotiations between communities became the key to success. The evolving agreements moved governments towards the stance that the settlement of claims are not so much a cost as it is a vehicle for addressing indigenous socio-economic circumstances. Negotiated agreements set out to reflect the emergence of an economic development policy objective that emphasised traditional rights. The article highlights issues and trends that shape options for public administration in the development of governance structures that must be taken into consideration during the planning and desi