Due to limited access to the building, the Auckland Information Office is available by appointment only. Please contact us by email at mlctamakimakaurau@justice.govt.nz
Our key purpose is to promote the retention of Māori land in Māori hands, and to support landowners to use, occupy and develop their whenua for the benefit of all landowners, and their whānau and hapū. As a court of record, we are responsible for the accurate documentation of the succession and management of Māori land.
Unlocking finance is an important part of facilitating the occupation, development, and utilisation of whenua Māori for the benefit of owners, their whānau, and their hapū and this practice note is another step on the road to realising this vision.
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.
Since the passing of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, our role is to:
promote the retention of Māori land in the hands of its owners, whānau and hapū
facilitate the occupation, development and use of Māori land
ensure that decisions made about Māori land are fair and balanced taking into account the needs of all the owners and their beneficiaries.
If your mediation is successful but the judge is not satisfied that the issues were resolved in accordance with the law and the relevant tikanga of your hapū or iwi, you may have to return to mediation to ensure we're meeting these requirements.
If you are a whānau or hapū member who did not submit the application but would like to speak in Court, you can file a ‘ Notice of intention to appear upon application ’.
The Act stipulates that the Court's objective is to keep Māori lands in Māori hands, protect wāhi tapu, and assist landowners in living on, developing, and using their land for the benefit of all owners, their whānau, and their hapū. Our rules and regulations
The Māori Land Court Rules 2011 set out how we operate, including how we receive, review, notify, process, and conclude applications.
It’s not about the backlog, rather it’s the impact that the delays have had on Māori land owners, their whanau and their hapū, as ultimately justice delayed is justice denied.
These rules ensure that the Act’s intent is met – to promote
the retention of Māori land in the hands of its owners and
their whānau and hapū6 and to facilitate the occupation,
development and utilisation of that land for the benefit of its
owners and their whānau and hapū.
ESTABLISHING A MĀORI INCORPORATION
To establish a Māori incorporation, landowners need to apply
to the MLC.