In point of fact, the Panel candidly acknowledges that it abandoned a “what is wrong with the current law and how should it be fixed” approach in favour of what it terms a “principle-based approach”, that is, “what should the law look like”.
Documents/Judges-corner-articles/MLC-2014-Jun-Judges-Corner-Ambler-J.pdf (191 kb)
WHAT IS A ‘SIMPLE AND UNCONTESTED’ APPLICATION?
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/Factsheet-Legislative-changes-affecting-trusts.pdf (303 kb)
The Court may, on considering your notification, arrange for the application to be set down for a formal hearing if the application has yet to be determined or for a rehearing if the application has already been determined.
Documents/Panui/Maori-Land-Court-National-Panui-July-2025-Edition.pdf (2.9 mb)
Training for trustees Training for trustees is a significant issue for the Court.
For example, for an application for succession, you’ll need a death certificate, any grant of administration (grant of probate2 or letters of administration3) or the original will, minutes of a whānau meeting if a whānau trust is required, and consents of the proposed trustees.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MOJ0217.6E-OCT21-Applications.pdf (335 kb)
For example, an application for succession will require a death certificate, any grant of administration (probate 2 or letters of administration 3) or the original will, minutes of a whānau meeting if a whānau trust is required and consents of the proposed trustees.
Documents/Guides-Templates-Factsheets/MLC-applications-english.pdf (327 kb)
Through further research I have been able to understand that interests previously held by my grandparents and great-grandparents had been compulsorily acquired by the Māori Trustee, taken for public works or sold. Of the lands that remain we have been able to use those as a basis for increasing the cohesiveness amongst our generation and they are a focal point for discussion at whānau hui.
Conclusion The role of trustees is onerous and frequently thankless. Trustees may be held personally liable, jointly and severally, for any losses a trust may sustain and for other breaches of trust.
Subsequently, errors have been found in these lists and there is work underway to remedy these before a further list is referred to the Court for approval.
Another real benefit from this project is that it brings Māori land, by virtue of the definition by survey and registration of it, into what is known as the primary layer for lending purposes.
