Māori Law

Māori law, or tikanga Māori, encompasses the customs, principles, and traditional practices that define Māori social and cultural life. It governs areas such as land rights, kinship, marriage, and dispute resolution, often operating alongside New Zealand's legal system. These practices are rooted in Māori values like respect for ancestors, community, and harmony with nature. In recent decades, Māori law has gained formal recognition through legislation and integration into the wider legal framework, ensuring Māori voices and tikanga are respected in legal and societal contexts. It reflects both ongoing cultural traditions and their adaptation within contemporary New Zealand society.