Planned changes to the Resource Management Act could affect Māori land rights in future raupatu settlements.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop intends to introduce two bills by the end of the year to cut administrative costs by 45%.
The Expert Advisory Group recommends retaining Section 8, which upholds Treaty principles, but the NZ First-ACT-National coalition plans to review or remove it.
Under the new laws, treaties involving natural resources, like the rivers of Waikato and Whanganui, require careful consideration.
Early engagement with iwi and hapū is urged to protect Māori rights. Bishop believes the RMA is broken, hindering infrastructure development and environmental management.
