Key Takeaways:
- 7583 acres of land at the top of the South Island will be restored to its original Māori owners
- A $420 million payment will be made in compensation
- The land includes the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and the Abel Tasman Coast Track Great Walk
- The Crown and the land’s owners have agreed to allow continued public access to the sites
- The agreement brings an end to the country’s longest-running land dispute
Introduction to the Land Dispute
The New Zealand government has reached a significant agreement with the descendants of the original Māori owners of a large tract of land at the top of the South Island. The agreement marks the end of the country’s longest-running land dispute, which has been ongoing for many years. The land in question, which spans approximately 7583 acres, includes the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and the Abel Tasman Coast Track Great Walk. As part of the agreement, the Crown will also make a payment of $420 million in compensation to the land’s owners.
The History of the Dispute
The dispute dates back to the 1840s, when the Crown agreed to reserve 15,100 acres of land for the original owners and their descendants. However, the Crown failed to uphold its end of the deal, leading to a long and complex legal battle. In 2010, Kaumātua Rore Stafford brought a case against the Crown, which ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling in 2017 that the Crown had a legal duty to the original owners. The High Court later confirmed in 2024 that the land had been held on trust by the Crown and had always belonged to the descendants of the original owners.
The Agreement
The agreement reached between the Crown and the land’s owners allows for continued public access to the sites, which are currently used by government agencies. Private property is unaffected by the agreement, and the Crown will be able to lease some of the land currently being used for important public purposes. Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka stated that the agreement means that schools will continue to run as normal, and the public will be able to visit and enjoy the national park as they currently do. The agreement also provides for the transfer of land that has been used by the Crown for schools, roads, and conservation purposes to its rightful owners.
Reaction to the Agreement
The agreement has been welcomed by all parties involved, with Attorney-General Judith Collins KC stating that the government is pleased to have resolved the unique private law case. Collins also thanked Rore Stafford and his whānau for their patience and perseverance over many years. Te Here-ā-Nuku Making The Tenths Whole project lead Kerensa Johnston described the agreement as "hugely positive" for all parties, saying that it resolves longstanding uncertainty and upholds the rule of law and property rights. Johnston also acknowledged the courage and perseverance of Rore Stafford, who first raised the issue with the Crown 39 years ago.
Looking to the Future
Now that the case has been settled, both parties are mindful of the need to balance legal ownership with how the land is currently being used, and the desire for certainty for everyone. Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka stated that everyone acknowledges the importance of the Great Walk and Reserve, which are much loved by locals and visitors, and that they are of deep significance to the original owners, local business operators, and future generations. The agreement provides a positive outcome for all parties involved and allows for the development of plans to enhance the local economic, cultural, and environmental wellbeing. With the land dispute finally resolved, the focus can now shift to the future and how to achieve wellbeing and prosperity for the whānau and region.
