Ngāti Rangiwewehi is raising serious concerns over what it describes as a lack of meaningful engagement from Conservation Minister Tama Potaka on proposed changes to conservation policy and legislation.
The iwi says the Crown’s approach to the proposed National Policy Statement for Conservation and wider reforms to the Conservation Act fails to meet legal obligations established through the Ngāti Rangiwewehi Claims Settlement Act 2014 and falls short of commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Ngāti Rangiwewehi Trustee Te Ururoa Flavell says the situation reflects historical Crown actions that caused significant and lasting harm to the iwi through land loss and the erosion of tribal authority.
The iwi says its Treaty settlement established an ongoing relationship with the Crown, recognising Ngāti Rangiwewehi as kaitiaki and requiring good-faith engagement on matters affecting its lands, waterways and taonga.
Despite making direct approaches to the Minister seeking discussions on the reforms, Ngāti Rangiwewehi says those efforts have not resulted in meaningful engagement.
The iwi argues the proposed conservation reforms could undermine Treaty settlement arrangements and create greater pressure on conservation land, including potential exposure to private and overseas interests.
Ngāti Rangiwewehi says protecting whenua remains a priority, warning that once land is alienated or degraded the impacts can be permanent and irreversible.
The iwi maintains that Treaty settlements are binding commitments that must guide future conservation policy and decision-making. It says meaningful partnership with iwi, protection of whenua and adherence to Treaty obligations must sit at the centre of any reform process.
While critical of the current approach, Ngāti Rangiwewehi says it remains open to constructive engagement and is calling on Minister Potaka and the Government to work alongside iwi to ensure conservation reforms uphold Treaty responsibilities and protect the interests of future generations.
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