Ka whakatuwhera Te Kooti Whenua Māori ki Heretaunga i tō rātou whare kua whakahoungia
The Tākitimu Māori Land Court has moved into its newly refurbished premises in Farming House, Hastings with the new space formally opened during a kawanga whare (formal building opening ceremony) on 31 July.
Designed in partnership with mana whenua, the refurbished court provides a contemporary and culturally grounded environment that better supports the needs of whānau, hapū, and communities engaging with the Court.
The opening ceremony began with karakia led by mana whenua kaumātua representative Cordry Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu) and whānau, who blessed each area of the building as guests were welcomed through the newly designed spaces. A mihi followed, delivered by Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod (Ngāti Kahungunu), before the Court held a formal sitting presided over by Judge Damian Stone (Ngāti Kahungunu), Māori Land Court Judge for Tākitimu.
The occasion brought together Māori Land Court staff and members of the judiciary, including Chief Māori Land Court Judge Dr Caren Fox, Deputy Chief Judge Craig Coxhead, Justice Layne Harvey, and other Māori Land Court judges.
A key feature of the redevelopment was the close collaboration with iwi partners, ensuring the design reflects local identity, history, and values. Enhancements include a waharoa at the entrance to the courtroom, improved spaces to support services such as Te Ratonga Whakatau Wenerau our Dispute Resolution Service, and dedicated secure storage for court records and taonga.
The move into the new premises marks an important milestone, and ensures we are better equipped to serve whānau and communities for generations to come.