The Committee started operating in 2019, after members of the profession identified the need for a committee of this kind.

The Committee contains a diverse group of practitioners; from those practising in areas in which the terms and principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are particularly pertinent, to those hoping to increase their understanding of issues affecting Māori in the law more generally.

In achieving its guiding purpose, the Committee, among other things:

• holds monthly meetings with its members to discuss developments in the area, share knowledge, and identify possible areas appropriate for CPD events;
• makes submissions and proposes matters that NZLS may want to submit on in relation to particular issues affecting Māori in the law;
• supports / contributes to increased, appropriate use of te reo Māori in the courts;
• holds CPD events (or where appropriate, approaches other bodies who may wish to hold such events) that seek to develop and push legal thinking on issues affecting Māori; and
• offers socialising opportunities for lawyers working in the area.