Te Kahu o Taonui
Te Kahu o Taonui has developed and contracted reports that help to understand and illustrate how resource management processes can either enhance or further damage the taiao.
The house talk video backgrounds concerns that the previous Labour Government attempted to address by replacing the RMA with two new acts of Parliament.
The Whāriki6 2025 video features Nicki Wakefield commenting on the Coalition Government's changes to the RMA.
Resource Management and Local Government
The Resource Management Act 1991 is New Zealand’s principal environmental legislation. Its purpose is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources—such as land, water, air, and coastal areas—for the benefit of current and future generations.
Key Features:
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Sustainable Management: The RMA requires that the use, development, and protection of resources balance environmental, social, cultural, and economic needs.
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Integrated Approach: It brings together laws relating to land, air, and water, replacing dozens of previous statutes.
Devolution to Local Government
The RMA devolves significant responsibilities to local government, specifically:
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Regional Councils: Manage issues that cross district boundaries, such as water quality, air quality, and coastal marine areas. They prepare regional policy statements and regional plans.
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Territorial Authorities (City and District Councils): Manage land use and subdivision, noise, and natural hazards within their districts. They prepare district plans.
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Resource Consents: Councils are responsible for processing applications for resource consents (permissions to use or develop resources), ensuring activities comply with the RMA and local plans.
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Public Participation: Local authorities must consult with communities, iwi, and stakeholders in developing plans and making decisions.
The RMA is in the process of being replaced by new legislation by the Coalition Govenment. The videos below provide some background on the RMA.
Developed to support best-practice engagement with mana whenua in the resource consenting process at FNDC, this document guides council staff, applicants, and mana whenua through effective engagement, ensuring cultural values are appropriately considered under the RMA. It includes a step-by-step guide for integrating mana whenua values into applications, highlights statutory requirements, and promotes early, genuine engagement to improve outcomes and relationships.
A comprehensive review of the Operative and Proposed Far North District Plans and the Northland Regional Policy Statement, this analysis identifies critical gaps in how mana whenua values and engagement are recognised in resource management processes, highlighting disconnects between policy intent and practical implementation, especially in resource consent processes. It recommends reducing reliance on planning maps, embedding consistent policy cascades, and strengthening both statutory and non-statutory guidance for engagement with mana whenua.
Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plans
The IHEMP analysis explores the limitations and potential of Iwi Environmental Management Plans as tools for achieving Māori environmental aspirations, arguing for both immediate optimisation within current frameworks and a long-term shift toward tino rangatiratanga and iwi-led governance. It critiques Crown resource management systems and recommends practical steps for education, technology, capacity building, and the protection of
mātauranga Māori.
This document outlines the key challenges and proposed improvements in FNDC’s resource consent processes regarding iwi and hapū engagement, identifying significant gaps in access to Treaty Settlements, IHEMPs, and mana whenua values. It critiques over-reliance on planning maps and inconsistent guidance, proposing six focus areas to address these systemic issues and improve cultural consideration in decision-making.
Here are six useful resources about the resource management process in Aotearoa. These cover both current practice and the ongoing changes in RM legislation.
1. Capability and Capacity
There remains a gap in funding for the taiao, as economic development continues to be prioritiesed. Issues of building capability and capacity for taiao mahi are covered in this webpage.
2. An Everyday Guide to the Resource Management Act
A plain-English series from the Ministry for the Environment explaining the RMA, how to get involved, apply for resource consent, and participate in hearings or submissions. Read the guide
3. Technical Guide: Streamlined Planning Process under the RMA
This Ministry for the Environment guide outlines the streamlined planning process, including step-by-step instructions for councils and applicants, and is updated for recent amendments. Download the technical guide
4. Best Practice Guidelines for Resource Consent Engagement
Northland Regional Council’s review and recommendations for improving iwi and hapū engagement in resource consent processes, including templates, mapping tools, and staff support. See the NRC story and recommendations [nrc.govt.nz]
5. Blueprint for Resource Management Reform (2025)
The Expert Advisory Group’s official blueprint for the new resource management system, summarising objectives, principles, and the direction of upcoming legislative changes. Read the blueprint
6 Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 – Guidance
Ministry for the Environment’s summary of the latest RM Act changes, including new consent durations, streamlined processes, and implications for councils and applicants. See the official guidance [environment.govt.nz]