These steps only outline an approach to searching for Māori land records.
A land professional such as a lawyer or Conveyancing Professional may also help you find records.
For more detailed information go to:
How to search for Māori land records
1. View our information about records.
Our information goes into depth about types of land records and where you can find them.
How to search for Māori land records
2. Gather all you know about the land or block.
Whanau, hapu or iwi may be good sources for information. Useful information may include block names, names of owners, land district, changes to land and shares.
3. Find the land registration district.
Use our NZ Land District search to find the land registration district:
NZ Land Districts | LINZ Data Service
4. Visit Pātaka Whenua to search for the land.
Before you search, gather all information you can such as:
- the location
- land district
- block name
- land description
- shares in the land
- name of the owner.
5. Search Archives New Zealand for historic records.
Use Archives New Zealand's Collection search to find records:
Archives New Zealand – Collection search
6. Search Archives Wellington for historic records.
Archives Wellington holds older historic records:
Archives Wellington – find a record
7. Use Land Record Search.
Use Land Record search to find records, or information that might help your search, such as titles, mortgages and owners.
8. Contact other organisations.
Visit the websites of organisations that hold records, or contact them:
9. If necessary, request to view historic land records in person.
Some records are too big or fragile to be digitalised. You may need to request a visit to an office to view them.
Organisations that hold paper copies of records:
- Archives Wellington
- Archives New Zealand
- Toitū Te Whenua.
View an original paper record at Toitū Te Whenua
10. Consider other options.
Expand your search to other organisations such as libraries or view Māori Trustee minute books.
Consider getting help from a land professional, such as a Conveyancing Professional or lawyer.
Me awhina?
If you have read our help information and still need support, whakapā mai: