Te Here-ā-Nuku Bill settles 180-year Māori land dispute

The Te Here-ā-Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill has passed its third and final reading in the New Zealand Parliament, settling a land dispute spanning nearly 180 years. The legislation facilitates the return of approximately 3,068 hectares of land in the Te Tauihu region—including parts of Nelson, Tasman, and Golden Bay—to the Māori descendants of the original owners.

The dispute originated in the 1830s when Māori were promised one-tenth of the land sold to the New Zealand Company, a promise that was not fulfilled. Attorney-General Chris Bishop stated that the colonial government failed to uphold its promises, noting that the Crown had held the land as a trustee for many years despite it belonging to the descendants of the original owners.

As part of the settlement, a $420 million compensation payment will be made. To ensure continued public access, the Crown will lease back certain private lands currently used by the Department of Conservation. This includes arrangements for the Abel Tasman Great Walk and public reserves at sites such as Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui. Following Royal Assent, the legal title will be transferred to the trustees of the Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, expected to occur in 2026.