Māori Land Court Dispute Resolution Service: New Mediators Approved for Expanded Mediation Service
Seven non-judicial mediators have been approved to join the judges currently available to conduct mediations through Te Ratonga Whakatau Wenerau – the Māori Land Court Dispute Resolution Service: AMINZ Fellow Denise Evans, Kylee Katipo, Te Kura Pohatu, Hayden Potaka, Jerome Te Paa, Glenn Tootill,and AMINZ Fellow Baden Vertongen.
Te Ratonga Whakatau Wenerau was established in February 2021 to provide free, tikanga-informed mediation services for trustees, landowners, and whānau. The service supports the resolution of disputes relating to whenua Māori without the need for formal court proceedings.
This service focuses on helping parties reach their own solutions in a way that upholds relationships, recognises tikanga Māori, and avoids unnecessary litigation. It provides participants with greater influence over how their dispute is addressed and greater control over the outcome.
The expanded service commenced on 31 July 2026 and has improved access to the service and provided greater choice and flexibility for whānau, trustees, and landowners seeking to resolve disputes.
The announcement of new non-judicial mediators follows the expression of interest, assessment, and approval process announced in March 2026.
Parties with whenua-related disputes are now able to select their preferred non-judicial mediator or judge from the mediator list on the Māori Land Court website.
