A development in one of New Zealand's oldest property disputes

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

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

1News reports Justice Rebecca Edwards has 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 that figure.

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

She'll now receive further submissions to settle the issue of relief to the customary owners.