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New Zealand's oldest property dispute has drawn to a close.

The High Court's ruled descendants of customary Maori landowners are entitled to Crown land in Nelson - and compensation.

The Nelson Tenths case dates to the city's establishment.

In 1845, the New Zealand Company purchased about 150-thousand acres - but didn't keep the agreement to set aside 10-percent for Maori landowners.

One News reports Justice Rebecca Edwards found largely in favour of the descendants, but not their claim for up-to-six-billion dollars.

She says the figure will be well below one-billion.

Edwards agreed some Crown land will be returned, but not where there are Crown-owned entities.
10-31-24 1756