The Independent Police Conduct Authority said it received multiple complaints about ''Operation Eight'' which began in late 2005 and ended on October 15, 2007 with the co-ordinated execution of 41 search warrants throughout the country and the establishment of road blocks at Ruatoki and Taneatua in eastern Bay of Plenty.
The authority found, as a whole, the operation was reasonable and necessary but also faulted police for several shortcomings.
The authority scrutinised police actions at 11 properties that were searched after people from three different addresses complained they and others had been personally searched.
Police had no justification for personally searching occupants, and the searches were unlawful.
The detention of occupants at five properties examined by the authority was also unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable.
Fault was also found with the police for leading people to believe they were being detained and also criticised what was described as deficient planning for road blocks set up in Ruatoki and Taneatua.
Several recommendations came out of the authority's report, including the ordering of police to re-engage with Tuhoe and build bridges with the Ruatoki community.
At the weekend, New Zealand Commissioner of Police Mike Bush did just that.
Mr Bush made the trip to Ruatoki to meet six families, including Tame Iti and his whanau.
A photo posted on social media showed Mr Bush sharing a cup of tea with Mr Iti following the release of a statement by the police commissioner apologising to whanau who experienced unnecessary stress during that time and who felt a loss of credibility and mana.
Mr Iti wrote on Twitter: ''Mike Bush listened to our hurt, looked us in the eye and apologised for how the police handled raids. We feel better.''
Mr Bush says it was important to him he personally delivered the apology, in private, to redress the hurt felt in Tuhoe.
It was a large and significant step by Mr Bush after previous commissioner Peter Marshall saying there was to be no disciplinary action for any of the officers involved, as staff acted in good faith and professionally on the day.
The police simply got it wrong in terms of the interpretation of the legislation on the road blocks, and Mr Marshall accepted that and apologised to any innocent people caught up in the raids.
However, Mr Bush's statement confirmed a settlement has now been reached with Tuhoe iwi in relation to Operation 8 but said the terms of the settlement were confidential between the two parties.
This is a chance for a fresh start.
Mr Iti served 30 months on firearms offences following the raids.
However, he and Mr Bush have shown the ability to meet and start building better relationships between police, Tuhoe and other iwi around the country.
Earlier this year, the Government addressed some of the worst breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi with a settlement which saw Tuhoe receive a redress package worth $170 million.
A formal apology was also made by Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson for a brutal military campaign.
The financial and commercial redress of $170 million for those breaches was to provide Tuhoe with the ability to make decisions as an entity, something not possible in the past.
The one gaping hole was the lack of a genuine apology from the police.
Mr Bush said his visit was to acknowledge the whanau, the fear they experienced, the situations they were placed in and the damage caused.
It was important for him to say sorry to those children who were present so they knew what happened to them was wrong.
It is important Tuhoe takes the opportunity of the apology to build on its treaty settlement and provide a future of hope, not bitterness, for its people.
For too long, Tuhoe has suffered the hurt of discrimination, wrongdoings and injustice.
Mr Bush's apology had to be made and now it has happened, the ongoing journey of the Tuhoe people can continue.
