Maori Party scrutinises Resource Management law review
Dr Pita Sharples and Hon Tariana Turia, Co-leaders 3 February 2009

Resource Management laws have significant impacts on the ability of tangata whenua to maintain their cultural relationships with their natural heritage and environment, and any changes will be closely watched, says the Maori Party.

“While we are pleased at the government’s announcement not to alter section 8 of the current Act, which concerns the kaitiaki role of tangata whenua and their rights guaranteed by te Tiriti o Waitangi, we will be analysing all clauses of the Bill to assess their impact on whanau, hapu and iwi,” said Co-leaders Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia.

“I know that major groupings of iwi have been developing their own thinking on resource management issues, and we want them to have input to any law changes. We understand they will be addressed during the second phase of the review,” said Dr Sharples.

“These issues will be discussed at Waitangi. I am sure the iwi leaders there will want to brief government Ministers on their views,” he said.

“The Maori Party will certainly be listening to the views of tangata whenua, and we will be taking their ideas into account when we consider our position on amendments to the Resource Management Act – and, potentially, other laws that affect resource management.”

“We want to ensure there is proper consultation with tangata whenua during the review, and clear representation for them in the implementation of the Act. We would expect local government to engage tangata whenua in resource management as part of a commitment to enhance their mana,” said Mrs Turia.

“Our party has some strong policies for economic development, but not at the expense of the environment. We advocate adopting a Genuine Progress Index, which integrates measures of economic, environmental, social and cultural wealth into a comprehensive planning tool,” she said.

“At the end of the day, until the end of time, our economic and social development must be sustainable,” said Dr Sharples and Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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