Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Maori Affairs

3 December 2012

Temporary Māori Land Court Judge appointed

Lawyer Michael Doogan has been appointed a temporary judge of the Māori Land Court for two years, Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples announced today.

“Michael Doogan is an experienced lawyer, with extensive experience in the Waitangi Tribunal representing both the Crown and iwi claimants. His depth of knowledge will be of great value to the current bench of the Māori Land Court,” said Dr Sharples.

“I congratulate Mr Doogan on his appointment, which commences on 21 January 2013,” he said.

A temporary appointment is needed to assist with the workload of the Māori Land Court and the Waitangi Tribunal. Māori Land Court judges also act as Presiding Officers in the Tribunal.

The Māori Land Court plays an important role in the administration of Māori land in accordance with provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.

“Te Kooti Whenua Māori acts to assist the retention, use, development and control of Māori land as taonga tuku iho by Māori owners, whānau, hapū and descendants,” said Dr Sharples.

ENDS

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