What is being proposed? 

The government is suggesting a set of targeted changes to improve the workability of the Act, and support landowners to make timely decisions about their land. These changes seek to improve the use and productivity of whenua Māori.  

The proposed changes relate to: 

• Making court processes clearer, more efficient and accessible for both the Māori Land Court and landowners. 

• Widening the types of land an agent can be appointed for and the powers of an agent. 

• Supporting access and development of whenua Māori for housing. 

• Clarifying processes for beneficiaries and administrators of Māori land to manage land interests when an owner dies under intestacy (without a will). 

• Enabling landowners to have more decision-making powers regarding certain types of leases. 

• Miscellaneous provisions to tidy up the Act and clarify minor or non-controversial processes to reduce administrative burdens. 

Where can I find more information about the proposals? 

We have prepared a discussion document which contains in-depth information about what the government is proposing to do to improve Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 for landowners, trusts, trustees, incorporations, beneficiaries, and the Māori Land Court.  

You can read our discussion document here.

You can also get in touch with kaimahi in our regional offices, or send an email to TTWMA@tpk.govt.nz if you have any questions.    

What is the purpose of public consultation? 

Public consultation is a chance for the government to hear from the public about changes they’d like to see. Public consultation is an important part of creating and maintaining legislation. It helps ensure the laws that govern our society are working as they should and are fit for purpose. 

The key objective of this consultation is to invite feedback from Māori landowners, beneficiaries, and those involved in the governance of Māori land. We’d like to hear what changes they’d like to see in the Act, and what they think about the changes the government is proposing.   

How can I provide feedback? 

There are several ways to provide feedback on the proposals. You can: 

• Come along to an information session, where we will have feedback forms available that you can fill in. 

• Send written feedback through the mail. 

• Send an email to TTWMA@tpk.govt.nz. 

Feel free to provide feedback on the proposals or, if you have different options or ideas relating to the proposals, please share those with us. You can also let us know if there are other improvements you’d like to see to the Act.  

When does public consultation open? 

Public consultation begins at 5,00pm, Monday 31 March 2025 and ends at 11.59pm, Friday 23 May 2025. 

Will there be an opportunity to hear about the changes in person? 

Yes, throughout April Te Puni Kōkiri will hold in-person information sessions in most major cities and towns across the country.

These sessions will be a chance to share your whakaaro about what changes you’d like to see to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993. You can also learn more about the changes that the government is proposing and let us know what the changes might mean for you.  

What if I can’t make one of the in-person information sessions? 

Te Puni Kōkiri will be holding two webinars during the public consultation period for people who can’t make the in-person sessions. These will be held on: 

• Tuesday 29 April 2025 

• Thursday 15 May 2025 

More information about the webinars, including a link to register, will be available on our website closer to the time.  

What happens after public consultation? 

After public consultation, Te Puni Kōkiri will analyse the feedback received and produce a summary of submissions report. This report will be used to guide the development of a potential Te Ture Whenua Maori Amendment Bill. 

Where can we get updates? 

If you would like to be informed of what is happening after public consultation, sign up to our mailing list by contacting TTWMA@tpk.govt.nz or get in touch with our regional offices.