Hello again Ashley.
Just returned from an unsuccessful cattle buying mission in the North.
I see one of my links does not go to the page I had hoped. See if this is any better:-
https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ItemAdvancedSearch.do;jsessionid=1DD9380892BE73DA5B0A9562D3E14469The first entry is to do with some dispute with the local store keeper.
The next few are in regard to land title "alienation" presumably to do with updating the earlier [pre 1871 introduced torrens system of land title registration] land title deeds, often involved with Crown Grants, and land titles involving the Maori Land court.
Land alienation applications were very common around that pre WW1 period, and involved proving title and updating the records to comply with the torrens system. And then record the transfer of ownership, with the title hence forth registered within the torrens system.
The names on the application we recognise as Maori names
I'm no expert on the subject and just now at this late hour have been unable to find one concise account of what the process of "alienation" meant in practical terms with regards to titles.
But it will not be "AGAINST THEM"
Not sure when I will be heading North again as early as Friday, but will add those files to others I wish to research at my first opportunity. Archives are not open on a Saturday.
Alan.
PS. If you can PM me with an email address I can reach you on, I can supply examples from previous searches into land alienation requests. They can contain a lot of interesting detail, including a good range of the postage stamps of the day, due to "stamp duty"
PPS In light of day found the explanation I was seeking. - Alan.