# New Zealand Māori land and Treaty settlements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-mori-land-and-treaty-settlements
> Updated: 2026-09-02T23:58:48.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The New Zealand Crown has passed legislation to settle historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances with various Māori groups.

In August 2026, the Te Here-ā-Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill passed its final reading, resolving a dispute dating back to the 1830s. The settlement involves the return of approximately 3,068 hectares of land in the Te Tauihu region to Māori descendants and a $420 million compensation payment. To maintain public access, the Crown will lease back certain lands used by the Department of Conservation, including areas for the Abel Tasman Great Walk.

In September 2026, a separate settlement was reached with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana regarding historical grievances in the Waikaremoana district. This redress package includes a $24 million financial and commercial settlement, the return of cultural redress properties, and the addition of roughly 12,000 hectares to Te Urewera.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: New Zealand Crown settles Treaty claims with Ngāti Ruapani

The New Zealand Crown has settled historic Treaty claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana, providing $24 million in redress and returning land to support cultural and economic development.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-crown-settles-treaty-claims-with-ngti-ruapani

### 2026-08-18: Te Here-ā-Nuku Bill settles 180-year Māori land dispute

New Zealand's Parliament has passed the Te Here-ā-Nuku Bill, returning 3,068 hectares of land to Māori owners and settling a 180-year dispute with a $420 million compensation package.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/te-here-nuku-bill-settles-180-year-mori-land-dispute

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Cite as: New Zealand Māori land and Treaty settlements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-mori-land-and-treaty-settlements