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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.

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.

Located in:  Our application process Attend court or mediation

“Pātaka Whenua also enables a connectedness that has not existed before – whānau living in across the ditch and further afield will have the same access to the court record, a taonga tuku iho, as those who are able to visit us in person today.”

Located in:  Hui and court hearings News

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)

Ko tētahi wāhanga nui o te mahi pēnei ko te ngākaunui o ā mātou tāngata ki te tuku ratonga rawe ki te iwi i ia rā.

Located in:  Contact us

External link Trustee (factsheet)  (PDF 349 kb) Ko ā te tarahati haepapa Your trust's responsibilities Read about the responsibilities of Māori land trusts on Tupu.nz.

Located in:  Māori land Manage your land

There are many ways Māori connect with and utilise whenua, depending on the economic, social, and cultural aspirations of the whānau for the whenua. The Māori Land Court, alongside our partner agencies, are here to support you and your whānau throughout your whenua journey.

Located in:  Māori land

Our kaimahi are here to guide you and your whānau through this experience.

Located in:  Our application process

Apply online Download the application form Subdivision A private subdivision of whenua may be made, without lodging an application with the Māori Land Court, if: all the legal owners agree to the subdivision (where there is no trust) all the trustees agree to the subdivision (where the land is vested in trustees) the management committee of a Māori incorporation agrees (where the land is vested in a Māori incorporation) the new titles, issued by Land Information New Zealand (L...

Located in:  Māori land Use your land

Some trusts and incorporations also provide financial assistance through grants and scholarships.

Located in:  Our application process Receive the outcome