Ara Whenua

What is Māori freehold land?

Māori freehold land is land whose beneficial ownership has been determined by the Māori Land Court. It is governed by Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, which aims to keep the land with whānau across generations.

1 What this means

Before European settlement, Māori held land through tikanga, whakapapa and collective relationships — an inherited responsibility, not an individual commodity. Through the nineteenth century, the Native Land Court converted customary interests into legal titles, and much land was alienated.

Land that remained in Māori ownership is now protected as Māori freehold land. It is usually owned collectively by many descendants, each holding shares, and interests pass between generations through succession rather than ordinary inheritance.

2 What still needs checking

  • The block name and its legal status (Māori freehold land, Māori customary land or General land)
  • Who the owners are and whether a trust or incorporation manages the block
  • Your own recorded interest, on Pātaka Whenua

3 What you can do next

Find your block and its ownership details, then read how land shares work.

Official sources

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General guidance only — not legal, financial or building advice. Court, lending and building decisions remain with the relevant decision makers.