Legal support that respects tikanga, kaupapa and relationships
Supporting Māori Organisations
Māori organisations carry a special responsibility to protect their people, their whenua, and their kaupapa while balancing cultural values, community expectations, and commercial realities. We provide clear, practical legal advice that helps you meet those responsibilities with confidence.
Our team works with iwi authorities, Māori trusts, incorporations, and kaupapa Māori organisations across Aotearoa. We focus on solutions that fit your structure, reflect tikanga, and strengthen decision making.
Our Legal Support
We help Māori organisations across a wide range of areas, including:
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Governance and trust structures
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Updating constitutions and trust deeds
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Land and whenua management
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Partnership and joint venture agreements
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Procurement and All-of-Government processes
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Dispute resolution, compliance, and Te Tiriti-related matters
Every organisation we work with has its own kaupapa and way of doing things. We listen first, then give advice that supports your goals and protects your people and assets.
Our Approach
Our approach is grounded in relationships and respect. We take the time to understand how your organisation operates and the values that guide your decisions.
We regularly work with Māori organisations that partner with or receive funding from government. As part of the All of Government legal panel, we understand the frameworks and processes that affect kaupapa Māori entities.
We aim to make every legal process straightforward, transparent, and aligned with your purpose. Our goal is to build lasting partnerships based on trust, understanding, and shared purpose. If you’d like to kōrero with our Māori legal team, we’re here to listen and help you find the right path forward.
Where We Work
Our Māori legal team is based in Wellington and supports clients throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We also provide local advice through our Lower Hutt and Masterton offices.
Questions We Often Get From Māori Organisations
Do you understand how Māori organisations work?
Yes. We work alongside iwi, hapū, and kaupapa Māori organisations across Aotearoa. We understand collective decision making and the importance of tikanga, whakapapa, and accountability across your governance and leadership structures.
Can you help update our trust deed or constitution?
Yes. We review, update, and rewrite documents so they reflect current law and your kaupapa. We make sure they’re practical, easy to follow, and aligned with how your organisation operates day to day.
Do you assist with land and whenua matters?
Yes. We help with governance, ownership structures, and whenua management. We work with trustees, surveyors, and other advisers to keep things clear, consistent, and in line with tikanga.
Do you work with Māori organisations funded by government?
Yes. We regularly assist kaupapa Māori entities that contract or partner with government agencies. We understand procurement processes, compliance, and All-of-Government frameworks.
Can you help if there’s a dispute within our organisation?
Yes. We focus on fair process and preserving relationships. Our aim is to resolve issues in a way that respects tikanga and supports unity within your organisation.
What can we expect when working with Gibson Sheat?
Straightforward, respectful advice. We listen first, explain things clearly, and work alongside you to find practical solutions that protect your kaupapa and strengthen your governance.
