Māori Leaders Warn Planning Reforms Must Strengthen — Not Silence — Tangata Whenua

Māori leaders are again warning the Government that its sweeping planning reforms must not weaken the place of tangata whenua in decisions about whenua, awa, and moana.

The new planning system aims to fast-track housing and infrastructure, but iwi authorities say the drive for “efficiency” cannot override kaitiakitanga or the role of mana whenua.

Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber says the reforms should embed partnership from the outset, not treat Māori as stakeholder groups to consult after decisions have been made.

He says Māori economic development, cultural heritage, and freshwater protection all rely on genuine shared decision-making – not one-size-fits-all rules written in Wellington.

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