The key purpose of the Māori Land Court is to promote the retention of Māori land in Māori hands, and to support landowners to use, occupy and develop their whenua for the benefit of all landowners, and their whānau and hapū.
Last updated: Friday, 26 January 2024 | Rāmere, 26 Kohitātea, 2024
Whenua is part of the identity of tangata whenua. It is tūrangawaewae – the place where we come from, the place we belong to, the place we stand.
As a court of record, the Court is responsible for the accurate documentation of the succession and management of Māori land. The legislation that enables this role is Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, which recognises the importance of Māori land as taonga-tuku-iho – of special significance to Māori passed down through generations.
In accordance with Te Ture Whenua Māori , the Minister for Māori Development is responsible for recommending, to the Governor General , the appointment of Judges, including Deputy Chief Judge, to the Māori Land Court. Māori Land Court Judges are appointed by warrant issued by the Governor-General of New Zealand.
To become a Māori Land Court judge, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- have knowledge and experience of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi
- have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand for at least 7 years, and
- are not older than 70.
More Information
You can read more about the Māori Land Court on their website.
