Disputes about whenua Māori can be complex and difficult for whānau. They can delay whānau connection to whenua, and plans for developing land.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/Factsheet-Dispute-resolution-service-web-version.pdf (132 kb)
This helps to ensure the hearing goes as smoothly as possible for you and your whānau. Before the court hearing, we will contact you to arrange a test call.
Furthermore, the completion of succession through the Court often represents the only time the successors and whānau engage with someone who holds qualifications in the law in relation to their land.
Documents/Judges-corner-articles/MLC-2014-Jun-Judges-Corner-Ambler-J.pdf (191 kb)
Many urupā are traditional burial grounds, and are the places where whānau and hapū members expect to be buried when their time comes.
For example, for an application for succession, you’ll need a death certificate, any grant of administration (grant of probate2 or letters of administration3) or the original will, minutes of a whānau meeting if a whānau trust is required, and consents of the proposed trustees.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MOJ0217.6E-OCT21-Applications.pdf (335 kb)
[NAME OF MARAE] Marae Charter 1 Name and location 1.1 The name of the marae is [ ] Marae. 1.2 It is located at [ ]. 1.3 The land on which the marae sits is a Māori Reservation set aside for the purpose of [STATE PURPOSE EXPRESSED WHEN THE RESERVATION WAS MADE]. 2 Purpose 2.1 This charter is made under the Māori Reservation Regulations 1994 to set out clearly the purpose of the marae and the role of the marae trustees in managing and running it. 2.2 The function and purp...
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/05-08-2025-Marae-Charter-Template.pdf (632 kb)
WHAKAPAPA A person’s genealogy, or family tree, linking that person to a particular family and/or ancestor. WHĀNAU Family. Whānau is a wider concept than just immediate family of parents and siblings – it links people of one family to a common tipuna or ancestor.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-2023-Glossary-of-terms.pdf (278 kb)
At the end of the day we wanted our children bought up in New Zealand with access to whānau, friends and a kiwi lifestyle. When we came back from Singapore in 2006, my husband said “it’s your turn”.
For example, an application for succession will require a death certificate, any grant of administration (probate 2 or letters of administration 3) or the original will, minutes of a whānau meeting if a whānau trust is required and consents of the proposed trustees.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-applications-english.pdf (327 kb)
In April 2025, Claire Stirling-Hawkins (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga, Ngāi Tahu me Kāti Mamoe), supported by her whānau, friends, and kaimahi from Te Rāwhiti, stepped into the Pae Ārahi o Te Rito role, bringing her leadership strengths and a shared purpose and vision for Te Rito to the District.
Documents/Articles/Maori-Land-Court-Annual-Report-Matariki-2024-Matariki-2025.pdf (16 mb)
