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)
Before you submit an application to the Court, make sure you have had a kōrero with your whānau. Kaitiaki whenua (land guardianship) is about the collective and the wellbeing of whenua, whānau and whakapapa.
Many landowner journeys begin when a whānau member passes away and their land interests or shares in an incorporation are transferred to their whānau members.
This may mean connecting with other agencies and exploring funding opportunities that can help you and your whānau reach your aspirations for your whenua.
On that island I see te iwi Māori walking proudly within their own Māori world and over their own land. So, I suggest to you now, if your vision of an island is similar to mine, we must grasp an oar and get on board this waka we share so that we can row together towards that island.
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.
Some people become landowners when a whānau member transfers land to them by gift or sale.
Te Kooti Whenua Māori – the Māori Land Court is part of Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice.
Chief Judge Fox (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Whānau a Apanui) is the 17th Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court, and the first wahine Māori to hold the role.
Documents/Articles/23-07-20-Media-Statement-Chief-Maori-Land-Court-Judge-appointment.pdf (400 kb)
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.
