Māori Land Court
Treaty Settlements - Māori Land Court
The Māori Land Court (Te Kooti Whenua Māori) is set up under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and has jurisdiction to hear matters relating to Māori land. Just less that five per cent of land in New Zealand, about 1.3 million hectares, is designated as Māori freehold land. The special bond between Māori people and land is recognised by the Māori Land Court, and the records held by this court form an invaluable part of the whakapapa of all Māori.
Issues relating to multiple ownership of land and the laws relating to succession of ownership mean Māori land transactions can be complex. The Māori Land Court deals with these transactions in a traditional and appropriate manner. For example, court sittings may be conducted in te reo Māori and may begin and end with a karakia.
The Māori Land Court has a Chief Judge and a Deputy Chief Judge as well as resident judges in most Māori Land Court districts.
The Ministry of Justice administers the Māori Land Court and the Minister of Māori Affairs deals with legislative matters.
For more information go to the Māori Land Court website
Key services
The functions of the Māori Land Court are to:
- promote the management of Māori land by its owners by maintaining the records of title and ownership information of Māori land
- provide land information from the Māori Land Court and Crown agencies
- contribute to the administration of Māori land
- preserve taonga Māori.
