Land Court makes orders in Taumoepeau succession claims

A dispute over land to determine the legal order of succession of a man who died “intestate” without a will, was heard at the Nuku’alofa Land Court on 26-27 July 2021 by Justice Niu and Assessor Tu‘ifua. Although different Taumoepeau family members had applied for it, the land had reverted to the Crown, and had been re-allocated, while the claims were not lawfully resolved. Justice Niu made orders on 4 October 2021 to cancel a deed of grant and for the Minister of Lands to hear and decide new applications in accordance with the principles of natural justice.