Whenua Māori governance structures
1. What is a Trust?
Simply, it is a group of trustees or a body nominated by the owners to manage their shares in the land or to deal with the land as a whole. When granted by the Court, the Trust is deemed the legal owner. You can find detailed information about creating a trust or Maori Incorporation on the Māori Land Court website.
How is a Trust set up?
An application can be made to the Maori Land Court by any interested owner. A trustee or member of the community of management of an incorporation can make applications in regard to the setting up of a Putea Trust. Nominations for trustees are not officially appointed until granted by the court.
How many types of Trust are there?
There are five types of trusts: