Historically, trust applications were heard by a Māori Land Court judge. Now, if your application is assessed to be ‘simple and uncontested’, then it can be decided by a Māori Land Court registrar without a court sitting (unless you request to be heard by a judge in a court sitting).
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/Factsheet-Legislative-changes-affecting-trusts.pdf (303 kb)
The project was a joint one involving the Māori Land Court administration, LINZ and a sector sometimes forgotten in the literature on the project, the Māori Land Court judiciary.
Historically, most succession applications were heard by a Māori Land Court judge. Now, if your succession application is assessed to be ‘simple and uncontested’, then it can be decided by a Māori Land Court registrar without a court sitting (unless you request to be heard by a judge in a court sitting).
If there is sufficient evidence produced to satisfy the Court of the case against you, judgment against you may be given in your absence.
The Chief Justice notes Chief Judge Fox’s long and exemplary service to the Court. Chief Judge Fox was appointed as Māori Land Court Judge in 2000, and as Deputy Chief Judge in 2010.
Documents/Articles/23-07-20-Media-Statement-Chief-Maori-Land-Court-Judge-appointment.pdf (400 kb)
The Māori Land Court is pleased to announce the public launch of Te Puna Manawa Whenua, the Māori Land Court Bench Book.
Awaiting Administrative Action Page 1 of 46 Quarterly Schedule of Outstanding Applications aged over 6 months old held by Māori Land Court or Māori Appellate Court as at 31 May 2022 Produced pursuant to rul 5.11 of the Māori Land Court Rules 2011 A20170006414 31/10/2017 CJ 2017/35 - Parihaka Papakainga and a trustee order made at 72 Taranaki MB 86 on 25 January 1962 - Application to the Chief Judge 45/93 Rihitia Totorewa 1.
Te Puna Manawa Whenua is written by Māori Land Court judges. It is overseen by a judicial editing komiti, comprised of Māori Land Court judges, supported by legal research counsel from the Māori Land Court.
Māori Land Court Rules 2011 Read the Māori Land Court Rules 2011.
Sitting period Closing date for lodgements 10 - 14 November 2025 Wednesday, 6 August 2025 9 - 13 February 2026 Wednesday, 5 November 2025 11 - 15 May 2026 Wednesday, 5 February 2026 10 - 14 August 2026 Wednesday, 6 May 2026 9 - 13 November 2026 Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Ngā tono ki te Kooti Pīra Māori Māori Appellate Court applications to be heard Pānui Māori Appellate Court sitting 12 February 2026 Māori Appellate Court sitting 12 February 2026...
