18 Aug 2026
2 months ago
622 views
The Te Here-ā-Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill has passed its third reading, restoring approximately 3000 hectares of land in the top of the South Island to its rightful Māori owners after being held by the Crown as trustee for over 180 years. Arrangements have been made to allow the Crown to lease back some land for conservation and public use, ensuring continued access to key sites like the Abel Tasman Great Walk and public reserves. Following Royal Assent, legal title will transfer from the Crown to the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, marking the resolution of a long-standing historical grievance.
17 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1381 views
Approximately 7,583 acres of Top of the South land will be returned to descendants of its original Te Tauihu Māori owners following a private litigation dating back to the 1840s, with the Crown acknowledging its legal duty and agreeing to a $420 million payment. Despite the land transfer, public access to key areas like the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve will continue uninterrupted under a 25-year agreement, ensuring ongoing use by visitors, schools, and local communities. This resolution differs from Treaty settlements as it involves returning land to rightful owners based on private property law, balancing legal ownership with current public and conservation uses.