November 27, 2015
Labour wants more say for iwi in RMA rewrite
Labour’s Maori spokesperson says proposed changes to the Resource Management Act fall short of what iwi need to participate in the process effectively.
The Maori Party has lifted its objections to the introduction of the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, and the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group has also expressed support.
But Nanaia Mahuta says the test will be whether it strikes the balance between protecting the environment and sustainable development.
She says the bill seems to overlook existing treaty settlements which reference the RMA, Local Government Act and other laws.
She’s surprised the Maori Party did not require the Government to include mandatory recognition of iwi management plans, which would have elevated the contribution iwi make towards the care and sustainable use of natural resources.
She says whanau, hapu and iwi should make submissions once the bill gets to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee.
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