Iwi Management Plans
Iwi Management Plans (IMPs) are planning documents developed and approved by an iwi authority, and provide a mechanism in which iwi interests can be considered within council activities and processes.
IMPs are often holistic documents that can cover more than RMA matters including (but not restricted to) specific cultural values, historical accounts, descriptions of areas of interest (hapū/iwi boundaries), engagement protocols, and so forth.
IMPs can provide useful insight and information for Council, in carrying out its roles and functions under various statutes, including the Local Government Act 2002 (e.g. providing opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making processes; preparing Long-term Plans).
IMPs assist Council by:
- identifying iwi of the region, their rohe, values and interests
- aiding decision-making processes
- providing a planning tool for engagement and fostering partnerships
- outlining preferred methods of engagement
- identification of iwi/hapū are who may be affected by activities subject to resource consent applications
- helps Council adhere with its specific legislative requirements.
Iwi management plans assist the community by:
- enhancing understanding of iwi aspirations and priorities
- building community awareness
- assisting resource consent applicants identify relevant matters for assessments of environment effects.
Iwi management plans assist Māori by:
- facilitating knowledge transfer of iwi values, aspirations, issues, etc
- providing a framework to articulate values, aspirations and issues
- identifying specific natural resources and/or sites of cultural significance
- ensuring iwi/hapū interests are recognised in the resource consent application process
- providing a template for others developing iwi planning documents
Council officers can use an IMP to:
- more clearly understand what is important to iwi/hapū, including matters outside the RMA
- gain insight into what sustainable or best practice natural resource management means from an iwi perspective, and may identify how this can be given effect to
- identify and understand the expectations of iwi/hapū (e.g. preferred engagement and relationship development process and on what)