Submission on Planning and Natural Environment bills
The Māori Trustee has recently made a submission on the Government’s proposed Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which closed on 13 February. Together, these bills are intended to introduce a new planning system to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
The Māori Trustee supports the need for reform of the RMA and welcomes the opportunity to improve how land and natural resources are managed. However, in her submission, she recommends a number of amendments to help ensure the new system works effectively for whenua Māori, its owners, and future generations.
Key matters raised in the submission include the need for the new planning system to:
- support the retention of whenua Māori
- protect the rights and interests of Māori freehold land and its owners
- uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- provide for integrated environmental management and protection across both Bills
- deliver greater certainty, with clear outcomes guiding decision‑making
- enable meaningful consultation, engagement and participation, supported by workable timeframes
- include appropriate checks and balances as more decision‑making shifts to central government.
Changes to the planning system will affect the management of both natural and physical resources, including their use, development and protection. The Māori Trustee’s submission focuses on ensuring these changes recognise the unique status of Māori freehold land and provide a fair, workable framework for Māori landowners.