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Treaty and iwi

toitu te marae o Tangaroa,
toitu te marae o Tane mahuta
toitu te Iwi

Māori are inextricably linked to – and involved with – the use and management of natural resources. Practices based on an understanding of the environment have supported Māori efforts to maintain and sustain their families and communities for many centuries.

Key natural and physical resource management legislation help government define its obligations and relationships when working with Māori in this area.

The Acts are:

  • The Environment Act 1986, which requires the Ministry for the Environment to ensure that, in the management of natural and physical resources, full and balanced account is taken of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
  • The Resource Management Act 1991, which sets out Māori and Treaty obligations that need to be taken into account by all those exercising functions and powers under the Act. The Ministry is responsible for the effective administration of this Act.

Other natural and physical resource management legislation that include Treaty and Māori provisions are:

The Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty is a central theme in New Zealand’s resource management legislation. However some Māori have become frustrated with the practical implementation of these provisions and are applying pressure through the courts, the Waitangi Tribunal and Treaty claims settlements processes to have their expectations met.

The Ministry is developing practical ideas to help Māori and the government achieve their aim of improving New Zealand’s resource management regime.

To meets its obligations, the Ministry is active in ensuring that full account is taken of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in the management of New Zealand’s natural and physical resources. Within the Ministry, Maruwhenua provides advice on a range of environmental issues concerning Māori including the Treaty settlement process.

Last updated: 17 September 2007