About International Native Mail

International Native Mail is a digital platform created to support Māori whānau and hapū in managing their ancestral lands, providing a modern solution for the critical legal notifications required under Te Ture Whenua Māori Māori Land Act 1993-95.

Our Purpose

For generations, Māori have maintained a profound connection to their whenua (land) – a relationship that extends far beyond ownership to a deep spiritual and cultural bond. However, the legal processes surrounding land management can be complex and challenging.

Traditionally, important land notices were published in newspapers or through costly official channels, creating significant barriers for whānau:

• Expensive publication costs
• Limited accessibility
• Geographical constraints
• Complex administrative processes

Our platform aims to remove these barriers by:

• Providing a free, accessible digital platform
• Ensuring compliance with Te Ture Whenua Māori Māori Land Act 1993-95
• Supporting whānau in maintaining their connection to ancestral lands
• Creating a permanent, searchable record of land notices

Legal Foundations for Digital Notification

Our platform is built upon robust legal frameworks that recognize the evolving methods of Māori communication and land management.

Te Ture Whenua Māori Māori Land Act 1993-95: Enabling Modern Notification

• Section 17 emphasizes promoting and assisting in the retention of Māori land
• Section 95(3) grants flexibility in how notices can be served and communicated
• The Act's preamble recognizes the special relationship between Māori and their whenua

Māori Land Court Rules 2011: Digital Solutions

• Rule 4.16 allows judicial discretion in determining notice methods
• Rule 7.21 explicitly acknowledges electronic record-keeping
• These rules provide a clear path for digital notification processes

Commitment to Accessibility

We believe that all Māori landowners should have equal access to legal processes regarding their land. By removing financial and geographical barriers to proper notification, we hope to support the retention and development of Māori lands by their rightful owners.