Success in the High Court for customary owners

 

The High Court has today released a strong decision in our favour regarding Stafford v Attorney General.

 

While there are still outstanding matters to decide, including the details of the award to be made, today’s judgment is ultimately a significant victory for Uncle Rore, the customary owners of the Nelson Tenths Reserves that he represents, and for all of us with a connection to the whenua at the heart of this issue.

 

It also upholds fundamental property rights that apply to every one of us in New Zealand.

 

In the words of the Judge, Edwards J:

 

“The Customary Owners are like any other private litigant and their right to relief should not be curtailed simply because the defendant is the Crown. The plaintiff’s claim is determined according to the law, unaffected by the political objectives of the other branches of government which sit outside the courtroom doors.”

 

The Te Here-ā-Nuku Working Group will take some time now to process the detail of the decision and decide next steps. We will keep you updated.

 

Thank you to all who have supported this kaupapa, and particularly those who supported the High Court proceedings in Wellington last year.

 

Read the full decision of the High Court and the summary decision below.

 

Complete High Court Judgement – Click here to view PDF

 

Summary of the High Court Judgement  – Click here to view PDF