Public Sector

Maori & the Treaty of Waitangi

Our Maori business group offers understanding, insight and a proven track record in working with and advising iwi, corporations, local authorities, government departments, and the Waitangi Tribunal.

Our many years of experience working on Treaty settlements has given us an in-depth appreciation of the complexity and sensitivities involved in this often high-profile area. We have also developed strong, collaborative relationships with the individuals, entities, and agencies working to address the issues affecting Maori and the Crown.

We work across our specialist practice areas to provide decisive commercial, policy, strategic, and regulatory advice. We are proven experts in iwi business development, corporate bodies, trusts, and commercial law. Our Maori business specialists also provide advice on the Te Ture Whenua Maori Land Act and the Resource Management Act, and can assist in the strategic development of relationships with Maori.

We have assisted clients with Treaty of Waitangi grievance claims, involving claim preparation, research, and settlement negotiation.

View Our Experience

Our Experience

Southern Pipeline - represented Tauranga City Council as applicant in this project where key issues were the cultural impact of the proposed waste water pipeline as it crossed the harbour and travelled through Maori land
Blakely Pacific - application to subdivide land on Matakana Island, which raised significant and sensitive cultural issues
Auckland City Council and other local authorities - relationships with iwi, including the drafting of memoranda of understanding (MoUs)
Tuaropaki Trust - obtaining resource consents for geothermal power station, and advising on finance and construction issues
Arawa Fisheries - joint venture proposals for large scale offshore marine farms
Kapiti Western Link Road - litigation involving impacts on waahi tapu and archaeological resources
Department of Corrections - designations and subsequent litigation relating to the cultural impacts of new prison projects
Tauranga City Council and NZ Transport Agency - appeals by Maori land owners against the designations for the Sandhurst Drive link and motorway interchange. We act for the Council on the on-going Waitangi Tribunal and compensation issues

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