The special bond between Māori people and the land is recognised by the Māori Land Court, and the records held by this Court form an invaluable part of the whakapapa of all Māori. The Māori Land Court operates under the provisions of the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 (referred to as ‘the Act’ throughout this booklet).
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-incorporations-english.pdf (856 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. The MLC operates under the provisions of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 (‘the Act’).
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MOJ0217.8E-SEP21-Maori-Incorporations-Factsheet.pdf (370 kb)
E mārama ana Te Kooti Whenua Māori ki te hononga motuhake a te Māori ki te whenua, nā reira kei te puritia e tēnei kooti ngā kōrero kāmehameha e pā ana ki ngā whakapapa o ngā Māori katoa. Ko te mana o te Kooti Whenua Māori ka taka mai ki raro i te korowai o te Ture Whenua Māori 1993 (e kīia nei i roto i tēnei pukapuka ko ‘te Ture’).
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-incorporations-tereo.pdf (949 kb)
During the proceedings, descendants Ihaia Raharuhi and Ngawai Joy Sharrock spoke about the importance of the whenua to them and their whakapapa. Ihaia Raharuhi is a descendent of Hoani Te Uakihi, one of the successors to Tāmati Pirimona Marino.
You can find historical information that may help you to gather information about your whakapapa. Read the Search for ownership guide for help on how to search by landowner.
However, there are hapū, iwi, and whānau that whakapapa to this land and may have used it for generations.
This detailed history shows the power and importance of whakapapa to the Māori worldview. Whakapapa literally means “to place in layers”.
Documents/Judges-corner-articles/JWI-ACPECT-Presentation-2022.pdf (540 kb)
Succession and descendants Before 6 February 2021 A deceased landowners’ interest(s) in land pass to their surviving spouse or partner even if the spouse or partner does not whakapapa to the land. When this happens, descendants who do whakapapa to the land are often not entitled to succeed to their land interest or shares until the spouse or partner enters a new relationship, dies or surrenders their interest.
To date, the Court has determined the successors of 125 original owners and are now seeking whakapapa information for the remaining owners from around 1895 who have not yet been succeeded to.
Having a conversation with your whānau about your whenua and whakapapa can be helpful before getting started. It is a good idea to ask them about: What land blocks you might be an owner in An accurate record of your whakapapa How you became an owner or beneficiary to your whenua.
