1 What this means
Owners and beneficiaries are entitled to information about how their whenua is managed. Most concerns are resolved by a clear request and a reasonable chance to reply — but there are formal options when they are not.
2 What still needs checking
- What you asked, when and how — keep copies
- What you know for certain, separately from what you are worried about
- When the next annual or owners’ meeting is
- Whether others share the concern
3 What you can do next
Send a short, polite written request with a reasonable reply date. If it continues, seek advice from a Māori land adviser or lawyer about the Court’s options. Avoid unsafe contact where there is conflict.
Forms & templates for this
- Form 32 — Application to call a meeting of ownersAsks the Court to call a meeting of assembled owners — a formal meeting where owners can make decisions about the land. Open Form 32 — Application to call a meeting of owners Download Form 32 — Application to call a meeting of owners
- Form 98L — Application for dispute resolutionAsks for the Court’s dispute resolution service (such as mediation) to help resolve a dispute about Māori land. Open Form 98L — Application for dispute resolution Download Form 98L — Application for dispute resolution
- Template 10 — Non-Responsive Parties RecordA log of attempts to contact owners or trustees who haven’t responded. Download Template 10 — Non-Responsive Parties Record
- Template 11 — Dispute / Objection Intake RecordRecords the details of a dispute or objection in a structured way. Download Template 11 — Dispute / Objection Intake Record
Check the latest version on the Māori Land Court website before filing. Templates are starting points, not official Court forms.
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.
