Licence to Occupy
Hoki mai ki te ūkaipō
A Licence to Occupy (LTO) is a pathway for whānau who want to build or live on ancestral or Māori freehold land. This land may be collectively owned, or held by Iwi, hapū or a trust.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Please speak with a qualified financial adviser before making decisions. Full details of interest rates, fees, and your rights as a borrower will be disclosed before you enter into any agreement with us.
Understanding the Pathway
Reconnect to your whenua. An LTO gives whānau the right to occupy and use land, without requiring fee simple title. It is particularly suited to papakāinga developments and multigenerational living arrangements on whenua Māori.
It may also be a pathway to extend whānau living on your own section.
Kaenga Hou’s role in an LTO pathway:
Kaenga Hou works with the land-owning body (the Iwi, hapū, or Māori trust) and the whānau to structure an affordable and secure arrangement. Where finance is needed to purchase the whare, we help find and manage it.
The Māori Land Court
Occupying or building on whenua Māori can take time, but it’s a rewarding journey. The Māori Land Court is there to support you with advice on preparing what you need for a Licence to Occupy, Lease, or Occupation Order.
Licence to Occupy pathways are usually part of a papakāinga development or a community housing project. If you are part of a group or trust that is working on this, contact us to explore options.