Māori Land Ownership – Becoming a Landowner

At McCaw Lewis, we provide expert legal advice on Māori land ownership, supporting iwi, hapū, whānau, and Māori landowners across Waikato and New Zealand to protect, manage, and develop their whenua. Our Whenua Māori team is experienced in navigating the unique legal frameworks governing Māori land, including Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, and integrating tikanga Māori into all aspects of land management and decision-making.

Becoming a Māori landowner often begins when a whānau member passes away and a succession process is required.  Succession is a legal process to transfer the Māori land interests of someone who has passed away to their descendants.  Succession is determined by a Māori Land Court judge or registrar.   In most cases succession will be straightforward depending on whether a deceased person has passed a way with a will or not.  However, matters can be complex when they involve multiple potential beneficiaries, whāngai or life interest provisions

In other instances, you can become a landowner through transfer or gifting of shares in Māori land.  The legal requirements for transferring land interests involve ensuring proper notice of the transfer or gift is provided and the person receiving the land interests is within the Preferred Class of Alienees (PCA).  You will also need consider the value of the shares to be transferred and any other legal considerations.  Our Whenua team can advise you on becoming a landowner and navigating the Māori Land Court application processes.

Our experienced Whenua Māori lawyers can assist with:

• Applications for succession
• Applications to Transfer or Gift shares in Māori land
• Advice in relation to your shares and options to utilise your shares