Shareholders
Governing Documents
A gateway to all governing documents relevant for shareholders.
AGM 2026 Documents
Requesting
Documents
The right of access under cl 8.6(2) to the business plan, annual budget and financial statements is a right of shareholders and of persons holding a properly appointed power of attorney on a shareholder's behalf. No other person may access those documents (cl 8.6(3)).
To request the business plan, annual budget or financial statements:
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Write to the Committee — by email or post — stating which documents you wish to access.
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Allow five business days for the Committee to respond.
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The Committee may provide the documents in the form in which it keeps them, which may be digital.
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Nominate a reasonable time for inspection, and one that does not interfere with the ordinary operation of the Incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm a shareholder?
You are a shareholder if your name is entered on the Incorporation's share register as the holder of shares — whether as beneficial owner, trustee, administrator or otherwise. You can inspect the register free of charge at the registered office during office hours, or authorise someone in writing to inspect it for you. Contact the Secretary if you are unsure.
I've inherited an interest. How do I get the shares put in my name?
Shares pass on death by order of the Māori Land Court, not by the Incorporation. Once the Court has made a succession order vesting the shares in you, send it to the Secretary. The Secretary must update the register as soon as possible and notify the Committee.
Can I sell or transfer my shares?
Yes, subject to limits. The minimum share unit is 15 shares. You cannot transfer shares if the transfer would leave you holding fewer than 15. You can transfer all of your shares — leaving you with none — but only to an existing shareholder, to the Incorporation itself, or to a trustee of a pūtea trust or whānau trust. Every transfer uses Form 5, must be signed and witnessed, and must be approved by the Committee before it is registered.
Can I put my shares into a whānau trust or pūtea trust?
Yes. Trustees of a pūtea trust or whānau trust can be registered as the holders of shares, but only with the Committee's consent. The Committee may ask for proof that the shares belong to the trust and that the trustees were properly appointed.
When is the AGM?
Every year, within six months after the end of the Incorporation's financial year. The Committee sets the date, time and place, and notice is posted to the address recorded for you on the share register.
I didn't get my AGM notice. Why?
Almost always because the address on the share register is out of date. Notice is posted to the address in the register. Update your details with the Secretary, and supply an email address as well.
I can't get to the AGM. Can I still vote?
Yes — appoint a proxy on Form 1, signed and witnessed, lodged at the office at least 48 hours before the meeting. Your proxy can be any person of full age and capacity except a Committee member or a person who has consented to be nominated to the Committee. You may also act through a properly appointed attorney.
How many people have to turn up for the AGM to be valid?
Nine shareholders, counting those attending in person, by proxy, or by attorney — and at least three shareholders must be physically present for the whole meeting. If quorum is not reached within an hour of the start time, the meeting is postponed and re-advertised. If the second attempt also fails, the meeting is cancelled.
How can I see the financial statements?
Write to the Committee asking for access to the financial statements, business plan or annual budget. The Committee has five business days to arrange it and may provide them digitally. This right belongs to shareholders and to attorneys properly appointed by a shareholder.
Can the Committee sell the land?
No — not on its own. The Committee cannot sell, lease, or grant any interest of any kind in the whenua, including a security interest, without a special resolution of shareholders. The only exceptions are short-term licences and leases of seven years or less. A sale or gift of Māori freehold land requires the support of shareholders holding at least 75% of the total shares in the Incorporation.
Can the Committee borrow against the farm?
How do I stand for the Committee?
Only within limits. Where the Incorporation's total debt is $400,000 or less, the Committee may approve borrowing as it sees fit. Above $400,000, shareholders must approve the borrowing by special resolution — every time.
You must be nominated by a shareholder, and provide: evidence you are appropriately qualified, including at a minimum completion of the trustee training offered by the Māori Land Court; a written statement showing familiarity with the Act, the Regulations and the constitution; and a statutory declaration disclosing any prior investigation into your conduct for fraud or dishonesty. Nominations are read aloud at the meeting before voting, and you may address shareholders for up to five minutes.