Whether tikanga has standing in the legal system - will decide whether Peter Ellis' lawyers can keep fighting to clear his name

Ellis was found guilty in 1993 of abusing children at the Christchurch Civic Creche where he worked - but he maintained his innocence until his death last year.

The Supreme Court justices have retired after this morning's hearing - and reserved their decision.

Lawyer Natalie Coates told the court that tikanga - and specifically the importance of restoring mana after death - has huge importance here.

She says it's important to draw on tikanga - as well as common law - when adding to the fabric of law.