Government settles Nelson Tenths for $420m plus land
The Crown and Nelson Tenths descendants have signed a settlement ending New Zealand’s longest-running private property case.
Mike McRoberts and Brent Edwards Wed, 17 Dec 2025
Key points
What’s at stake: More than 3000 hectares of land will be returned across Nelson, Tasman, and Golden Bay, with $420 million in compensation paid to cover land no longer available, to be held as an endowment in perpetuity by Te Here ā Nuku Trust.
Background: The Nelson Tenths dispute stems from an 1839 agreement that promised Te Tauihu Māori a tenth of the land used to establish Nelson, a commitment that was never fulfilled and ultimately tested through the courts as a breach of trust.
Main players: Kerensa Johnston as project lead for Te Here ā Nuku (Make the Tenths Whole Again) and long-time Wakatū leader; kaumātua Rore Stafford as the lead plaintiff; Wakatū Incorporation representing descendants; and the Crown through Attorney-General Judith Collins KC and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track Great Walk will be returned to the descendants of Te Tauihu Māori as part of a Government agreement to settle a long-standing private litigation.
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Key points
What’s at stake: More than 3000 hectares of land will be returned across Nelson, Tasman, and Golden Bay, with $420 million in compensation paid to cover land no longer available, to be held as an endowment in perpetuity by Te Here ā Nuku Trust.
Background: The Nelson Tenths dispute stems from an 1839 agreement that promised Te Tauihu Māori a tenth of the land used to establish Nelson, a commitment that was never fulfilled and ultimately tested through the courts as a breach of trust.
Main players: Kerensa Johnston as project lead for Te Here ā Nuku (Make the Tenths Whole Again) and long-time Wakatū leader; kaumātua Rore Stafford as the lead plaintiff; Wakatū Incorporation representing descendants; and the Crown through Attorney-General Judith Collins KC and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
