Before filing your application Option two – application to constitute a whenua tōpū trust (General form 1) 3 māorilandcourt.co.nz 3.
How-do-I-user-guides/How-to-constitute-an-ahu-whenua-trust-or-whenua-topu-trust.pdf (539 kb)
The unique relationship between Māori and whenua is recognised by the MLC, and the records held by the Court form an invaluable part of the whakapapa of all Māori people.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/20210715-Trustees-Role-and-Duties.pdf (349 kb)
The Court may, if it cannot otherwise address those concerns, order that the application be reheard.
Applications are grouped by District and include the new and old application reference number, the date on which the application was received by the Court, the subject of the application, the authority under which the application is made and the applicant(s).
Note Information provided in all applications forms part of the Court's permanent record under rule 7.19 of the Māori Land Court Rules 2011.
Application is being checked for completeness prior to court staff carrying out research and preparing for the court to make a determination.
The Court may, if it cannot otherwise address those concerns, order that the application be reheard.
Documents/Panui/Maori-Land-Court-National-Panui-July-2025-Edition.pdf (2.9 mb)
Apply online Download the application form Community Law Contact Community Law for free legal advice.
Our kaimahi can answer pātai and provide printed application forms, ownership lists, and publicly available court records.
Training for trustees Training for trustees is a significant issue for the Court. In many instances the Court must choose between appointing inexperienced trustees to manage land or making no appointments at all.
