Historically, most succession applications were heard by a Māori Land Court judge. Now, if your succession application is assessed to be ‘simple and uncontested’, then it can be decided by a Māori Land Court registrar without a court sitting (unless you request to be heard by a judge in a court sitting).
Te Puna Manawa Whenua is written by Māori Land Court judges. It is overseen by a judicial editing komiti, comprised of Māori Land Court judges, supported by legal research counsel from the Māori Land Court.
The Māori Land Court is one of the oldest courts in New Zealand and the work it does is central to the fabric of the Māori community, and the Māori economy.”
Documents/Articles/23-07-20-Media-Statement-Chief-Maori-Land-Court-Judge-appointment.pdf (400 kb)
The Act now clarifies that Māori Land Court judges will follow the tikanga of the hapū or iwi associated with the land being succeeded to when deciding whether whāngai can succeed to a land interest.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/Factsheet-Succession-for-whangai-web-version.pdf (172 kb)
Judge Stephanie Milroy discusses leases and licenses over Māori Reservation land and papakāinga.
That written notice must be filed in the Māori Land Court no later than 4.00pm 22 September 2025 .
The Māori Land Court is pleased to announce the public launch of Te Puna Manawa Whenua, the Māori Land Court Bench Book.
Currently Aotearoa New Zealand has 11 women judges of Māori ancestry who serve on the High Court, District Court and Māori Land Court.
Nominations: ▪ Must be received on the official Māori Land Court nomination form ▪ Forms can be obtained by either contacting the Māori Land Court or by way of the link, details for both are below ▪ Must be received by the Māori Land Court on or before 4pm Friday, 21 July 2023 ▪ Nominations must clearly identify the block to which the person is being nominated to.
Documents/Landowner-notices/Final-advert-Whakapoungakau-hui-final.pdf (115 kb)
You will also need to be clear what the plan is for building on the land, including who the housing is for. Contact a Māori Land Court offices for further information about building on Māori land.
