Te Pāti Māori says the Government’s reported decision to remove Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from New Zealand’s planning system is another step in dismantling the Crown’s relationship with tangata whenua, warning the changes could weaken collaboration between iwi and local government on the future of whenua and wai.
The criticism comes as Parliament considers legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA), with the Government proposing a new planning framework that it says will simplify consenting, reduce red tape and accelerate housing and infrastructure development.
However, Te Pāti Māori argues that the reforms extend beyond planning law and represent a broader shift away from recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi in public policy.
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements were introduced under amendments to the RMA in 2017 to provide a formal framework for councils and iwi authorities to work together on resource management matters.
The agreements establish processes for engagement, information sharing, planning and dispute resolution between local authorities and tangata whenua. They do not give iwi decision-making powers over councils but instead create structured pathways for collaboration on issues affecting natural resources.
The Government has confirmed that while existing agreements will transition during implementation of the new planning system, no new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements will be created under the replacement legislation, arguing that the new framework will contain alternative mechanisms for Māori participation.
“Not Planning Reform”
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the proposed removal of the agreements reflects a wider pattern of reducing Māori participation in government decision-making.
The party argues the reforms are part of a series of changes affecting Treaty-based arrangements across health, environmental management and other public institutions.
According to Te Pāti Māori, removing established partnership mechanisms risks undermining relationships that have taken years to build between iwi and councils and could make resolving planning issues more difficult rather than easier.
The party is also questioning the evidence supporting the change, arguing that if the Government believes the agreements have been ineffective it should publicly demonstrate why they are no longer required.
Resource management has long been one of the key areas where Treaty relationships are put into practice.
Planning decisions frequently affect Māori land, freshwater, coastal areas, wāhi tapu, indigenous biodiversity and customary interests, making engagement between councils and iwi an important component of environmental management.
Te Pāti Māori says meaningful partnership helps produce better planning outcomes by incorporating mātauranga Māori alongside scientific, environmental and community perspectives.
The party argues that removing formal mechanisms for engagement could weaken trust between local authorities and tangata whenua while increasing disputes over future developments.
The coalition Government maintains that its planning reforms are designed to create a simpler, faster and more efficient resource management system.
Ministers have said the replacement legislation will continue to recognise Māori interests while reducing duplication and establishing clearer national planning rules.
The Government argues the new framework includes alternative pathways for iwi participation and that reform is necessary to address housing shortages, improve infrastructure delivery and reduce consenting delays.
The issue is expected to become another major point of debate during the lead-up to the 2026 General Election.
For Te Pāti Māori, the removal of Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements represents another example of what it sees as the erosion of Treaty-based partnerships across government.
The coalition, meanwhile, says its reforms are intended to improve the effectiveness of planning law while maintaining appropriate recognition of Māori interests.
As Parliament continues debating the replacement of the RMA, questions around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, shared decision-making and the future relationship between the Crown and tangata whenua are likely to remain central to the national political conversation.
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