Mohi Manukau died without leaving a will. It was eleven years after his 2008 death before daughter Isabel obtained Administration Act letters of administration to handle her late father’s estate and then needed a court order to force brother Riki out of their late father’s Helensville home.
Riki argued that his sister lacked family consent to take control and that an entity called Manukau Maori Trust Inc instead had rights to the property.
The High Court was told Riki moved in some time after their father’s death.
Justice Jagose said the clear legal effect of Isabel being granted letters of administration is that she has the right to assume possession of the Stewart Street property as an estate asset, and further has the right to sell.
Riki had no legal right to remain in occupation.
He was given a week to depart.
The court was told Isabel has already sold Stewart Street. It is the estate’s only asset.
Manukau v. Manukau – High Court (8.07.26)
26.202