Māori Land Court judge sought

The search is on for a judge of the Māori Land Court.

The Minister for Māori Development is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals who wish to be considered for the position, which will be based in Wellington.

The judge’s core responsibility is to exercise the jurisdiction of the Māori Land Court and the Māori Appellate Court conferred by law, primarily under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.

Under the Act, the court’s primary objective is to promote and assist the retention of Māori land in the hands of its owners, as well as the effective use, management, and development of that land by or on behalf of its owners, their whānau and hapū.

Candidates must demonstrate legal excellence, knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi. They also must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years.

Completed expression of interest forms and current CVs will be accepted by the chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri until 23 October.