Within te ao Māori, rangatiratanga can embody the authority of a rangatira (a Chief) but importantly also that of the people, being the whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribe) and iwi (tribe).
Documents/Judges-corner-articles/JWI-ACPECT-Presentation-2022.pdf (540 kb)
This is the case for the largest and most successful trusts and incorporations, such as the Tuaropaki Trust and Mangatu Incorporation, right down to the smallest papakainga trusts.
Documents/Judges-corner-articles/MLC-2014-Jun-Judges-Corner-Ambler-J.pdf (191 kb)
Occupation orders can now be granted not only to the landowner or any person entitled to succeed to their interest, but also to beneficiaries of the whānau trust that holds a beneficial interest in the land.
It is also called a trust order. A trust order sets out the general purpose of the trust and well as the responsibilities, rights, obligations, and limitations of the trustees.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-2023-Glossary-of-terms.pdf (278 kb)
Much has been achieved by the project for Māori land owners, their whanau and hapu by giving greater certainty to title issues.
If those entitled do wish to vest the deceased’s interests into a whānau trust please complete and attach application form 23.
Documents/Forms/MLC-Form-21-Application-for-succession2F.pdf (370 kb)
Ko ngā papa rēhia Māori ka taka mai ki raro i te mana o te trust Māori me ngā Ture Whenua Tārewa Māori 1955.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-maori-reservations-tereo.pdf (387 kb)
You must own an interest in the land or be the beneficiary of a whānau trust that owns an interest in the land. The title of ownership remains with the landowners, but the occupation order may be passed on by succession.
Currently, the land is effectively held in trust until the owners can receive the land. There are 308 original owners.
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)
