Taranaki Maori have remembered the celebrated leader with a step towards the autonomy he championed.
Te Atiawa and neighbouring iwi launched the country's fifth Rangatahi Court (marae-based Youth Court) on Maui Pomare Day.
Courts Minister Georgina te Heuheu said Sir Maui Pomare would wonder why it took so long to bring young defendants back to marae.
Ms te Heuheu said the new court will break the isolation of young Maori facing charges.
Te Kooti Rangatahi o Oowae will hear cases referred from district courts. It is not restricted to Maori defendants.
