How Māori trusts are run is determined by Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and the Trustee Act 1956. The trust order, often also called a ‘trust deed’, is an important part of how a trust runs as it sets out the specific rules that will govern the trust. The trustees must follow these rules. The trust order usually includes:

  • The name of the trust,
  • The purpose of the trust,
  • Who should manage the trust,
  • The rules and obligations of the trust, and
  • Who should benefit from the trust (the beneficiaries).

Trust orders can be short or more comprehensive, depending on how the trust is going to be run. Get in contact if you want to set up a trust order for your Māori land trust.