The Greens say a policy announced today to return privately held land to Maori is about justice.

If adopted, it would allow the Crown to negotiate buying land from owners prepared to sell, to return to Tangata Whenua.

It would apply to land found by the Waitangi Tribunal to have been wrongfully acquired.

It's unclear what'll happen if the owner isn't happy with the price.

Party co-leader, Marama Davidson says it advances work already done by the Tribunal.

"It recognises that land as possession has not been restored with justice by any means through the Waitangi settlements."

LISTEN ABOVE