Māori Land Court

The Māori Land Court (Māori: Te Kōti Whenua Māori) is the specialist court of record in New Zealand that hears matters relating to Māori land.

Established in 1865 as the Native Land Court, its purpose was to translate customary communal landholdings into individual titles recognisable under English law. This enabled Pākehā to easily purchase Māori land. Since the late 20th century, the renamed court has focused on resolving disputes and protecting Māori land interests.

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