Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu v Minister of Conservation - [2026] NZHC 722

Interlocutory application by plaintiff for a direction that proceeding be set down for an urgent fixture. Cross-application by defendant for an interim stay of the proceeding. Substantive proceeding relates to Crown’s obligations under 1997 Deed of Settlement and Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. Plaintiff sought three limbs of declaratory relief relating to: breach of Settlement; breach of s 4 Conservation Act 1987; breach of legitimate expectation of plaintiff. Interim stay sought primarily on basis the principles of Parliamentary privilege and non-interference are engaged.

HELD: Relevant Bill constitutes proceedings in Parliament; protected by privilege and by the non-interference principle; abuse of process of the Court for the Court be asked to engage in consideration of the proposed legislation. Stay sought by the defendant granted. Plaintiff’s application for urgent fixture falls away.