Developed by judges for judges and published by Te Kura Kaiwhakawā (Institute of Judicial Studies), the bench book offers guidance on what judges may need to know, understand, and do when hearing applications in the Māori Land Court (the Court).
Importantly, it also tells the story of the modern Māori Land Court, who we are, what we do, and what motivates us to provide a high level of service to Māori landowners.
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.
Address for service
If you do not wish to be heard on the application but you do wish to know what is happening, you must file in the office
of the Court that the application was filed or made in a notice giving the address of a place in New Zealand at which
documents may be left for you.
Step 6
As the system prepares the report, you can check the status column to see what stage your
request is at.
There are three stages the status column can show as the request is prepared, in order they are
Initiated, PROCESSING, and Completed.
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HE PĀNUI WHAKAMŌHIO MŌ TĒTAHI TONO PĪRA
NOTICE OF APPEAL
Form 13
Rule 8.8(a)
WHAT IS THIS FORM FOR?
Use this form to file an appeal against a final decision or determination of the Māori Land Court.
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Request for fee remittal, reduction or
refund
Māori Land Court Fees Regulations 2013, Regulation 7(1)(a)
For more information visit www.māorilandcourt.govt.nz
What is this document for?
All applications to the Māori Land Court and Māori Appellate Court require a fee to be paid before they can be lodged with
the Court.
Date of Death: (where applicable)
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS:
HE TONO RAPUNGA
APPLICATION FOR A SEARCH
Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993
For more information visit www.māorilandcourt.govt.nz
Form 19
Rule 10.1(1)
WHAT IS THIS FORM FOR?
Use this form to request a confirmed search of interests that may be held in the name of any deceased
person who may have interests in Māori Freehold Land.
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Form 12A
Rule 8.14(2)
WHAT IS THIS FORM FOR?
This form is used to apply to the Māori Appellate Court for leave to appeal a decision after the time limit for
filing an appeal has expired, in accordance with section 58(3) of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and rule
8.14(2) of the Māori Land Court Amendment Rules 2026.
