The Māori Land Court’s primary objective under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 is to promote the retention of Māori land in the hands of its owners and to facilitate the occupation, development, and utilisation of that land for the benefit of its owners, their whānau and hapū.

The Māori Land Court also has jurisdiction to determine applications for customary rights orders in respect of the foreshore and seabed and plays a specific role in disputes resolution matters arising under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004 and the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.  

The Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court will perform a multi-faceted role in managing the Court as it deals with proposals and disputes involving Māori people, Māori assets and Māori aspirations in respect of them.  Key roles for the Chief Judge under Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 include presiding over the Māori Appellate Court and exercising the special powers of correction under section 44.    

The Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court is also eligible to be Chairperson of the Waitangi Tribunal and to preside in inquiries undertaken by the Tribunal.  If appointed to this position, the Chief Judge will also be likely to have a leading role in that jurisdiction.

The successful candidate for Chief Judge should demonstrate legal excellence and outstanding leadership qualities.  A full Position Description, incorporating the relevant appointment criteria, and an Expressions of Interest form can be accessed below. 

• Position description [PDF 81KB]
• Expression of interest form  [DOCX 15KB]

Please forward the completed Expressions of Interest form and a current curriculum vitae to nominations@tpk.govt.nz  by 11:59pm,  2 March 2023.

For further information or for a copy of the Position Description or Expressions of Interest form contact Te Puni Kōkiri on telephone 0800 875 433 or email nominations@tpk.govt.nz.