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Download AudioAfter 10 weeks in the High Court, Wakatū Incorporation hopes a decision on its long-running Nelson Tenths case will come early in the new year.
The incorporation, representing the descendants of the original owners, has argued the crown failed in its duty to enforce the original contract to set aside 15,000 of the 150,000 acres in the sale block for the owners, and then sold off much of what had been reserved.
Chief executive Kerensa Johnston says it’s not too late to deliver justice.
“Our focus very much has always been on the land that is still in the Crown’s hands – we say it shouldn’t be. That’s one of the orders we’ve asked the judge to make, to return that. And then where the Crown has sold it or lost it, or given it away over time, we’re saying that needs to be compensated for.
Kerensa Johnston says at 180 years it’s the longest-running property claim in the country – and it might not be over if appeals are lodged.
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