Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group welcomes introduction of Resource Legislation Amendment Bill
The Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group (ILG) today welcomes the introduction of the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill.
“The introduction of the Bill is a positive first step in advancing our objectives of better environmental outcomes and
improving Māori participation in resource management processes,” said Freshwater ILG spokesperson, Rahui Papa.
The Freshwater ILG has been engaged with the Crown since 2009 on the issue of freshwater reforms and these RMA
amendments have an important relationship with that wider reform process. The ILG has also worked closely with the Māori
Party over the last two years to progress the issue of iwi and hapū rights and interests in this area. Throughout these
discussions, the ILG has made it clear that the role of iwi and hapū as kaitiaki and also as responsible developers of
our land, waters and other resources is of the utmost importance.
“While the current proposals in the Bill provide some further scope to advance our objectives, the ILG is committed to
continuing to work with the Crown to help develop an improved baseline model for iwi participation in these processes,
which we think will benefit iwi and hapū, local authorities, consent holders and, ultimately, all New Zealanders.”
“We encourage whānau, hapū and iwi to have their say during the select committee process. The ILG intends to have
on-going discussions with both the Crown and the Māori Party throughout the passage of the Bill in order progress
further amendments that will improve the mechanisms through which the rights, interests and responsibilities of iwi and
hapū can be appropriately recognised and provided for under the RMA ensuring that our natural environment is flourishing
for future generations to come.”
ENDS.