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Compare Māori land with LINZ

This workflow is for investigation, not boundary determination. It shows what each current source represents and where they line up or diverge.

What you need​

QGIS workflow​

  1. Open QGIS and set the project CRS to NZTM2000 / EPSG:2193 for ordinary mainland cadastral work.
  2. Add the LINZ parcel layer.
  3. Navigate to the block identified in Pātaka Whenua.
  4. If using a legacy Māori land GIS layer, name it with its date, for example MLC_2017_05.
  5. Apply a transparent fill to one polygon source so both boundaries remain visible.
  6. Inspect identifiers and legal descriptions before running any joins.
  7. Add imagery to understand physical occupation, roads and river position, but do not infer legal boundaries from visible fences or tracks.
  8. Record any discrepancy that matters to the research and return to court/title/survey records.

Useful outputs​

A comparison map should show source and date clearly. A simple legend can use:

  • Māori Land Court representation — source/date
  • LINZ cadastral parcel — current LDS date
  • imagery — capture date

If the old block representation does not match the parcel framework, that is not automatically an error. It is a reason to inspect partitions, survey plans, roads, river changes or later titles.

Avoid automatic spatial joins first​

Spatially joining every parcel inside a historical block can imply a relationship that has not been established. Start visually and with identifiers. Use intersection analysis later when the research question genuinely needs it.

See Block, parcel and title and Authoritative for what?.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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