November 16, 2022
National Māori entity plan upsets iwi leaders
The Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group is opposing a proposed national Māori entity which will be set up as part of the rewrite of the Resource Management Act.
The Government yesterday introduced the Natural and Built Environment and the Spatial Planning Bills that will replace the RMA.
They include the national Maori entity to monitor the impact of the new laws on treaty settlements and provide input into national planning frameworks.
Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group chair, Rukumoana Schaafhausen says while iwi back some aspects of the reform.
“The National Iwi Chairs Forum supports every iwi and hapu to exercise their rangatiratanga at place within their rohe. We do not support the formation of a national Maori entity because it undermines that fundamental principle of iwi and hapu at place exercising their rangatiratanga,” she says.
The group is also concerned at the ability of iwi and hapu to participate meaningfully in the new regime.