New Māori Land Court services for land owners
Following the passing of changes to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, the Māori Land Court has introduced new services to support Māori land owners and their whānau to connect to and use their whenua.
The changes come into effect on Waitangi Day, 6 February 2021 and represent the most significant change to law governing Māori land since the Act was introduced.
The resulting new services at the Māori Land Court will simplify the legal and process requirements for land owners. The changes include simpler succession processes and a free out-of-court dispute resolution service, with a focus on strengthening tikanga-based interactions with Court users.
The Court also takes on new jurisdictions, so Māori Land Court judges can make determinations on property law, local government, roading and deceased estate matters related to Māori land.
The legislation changes are part of the Whenua Māori Programme, which supports landowners to realise their aspirations for whānau through connection to, use and development of their whenua.
For more information, visit the Māori Land Court website:
New Māori Land Court services and legislation changes(external link)