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Iwi management plans

Introduction to Iwi Management Plans

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An Iwi Management Plan (IMP) is a written statement that consolidates iwi knowledge on resource management issues. Some IMPs address economic, social, political and cultural issues as well.

Iwi Management Plans provide a framework and guidelines to facilitate the process of building resource management strategies for the sustainable development of natural and physical resources, however, are not a substitute for consultation and partnership.

An IMP is also referred to as an iwi planning document, tribal policy statement, strategic plan or development plan. They can apply just as much to hapü as to iwi.

Statutory Recognition of IMPs

In relation to regional councils, section 66 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) states that when preparing or changing any regional plan, regional councils shall have regard to any relevant planning document recognised by an iwi authority affected by the regional plan. However, the scope of recognition is widened to apply in the processing of resource consents through Policy 3.4.7(v) of the Auckland Regional Policy Statement which states:

"in relation to resource consents, the ARC and TAs shall take into account where relevant any planning document recognised by an Iwi authority affected by a resource consent."

The Strategic Benefit of IMPs

The parties who benefit from IMPs include Tängata Whenua in having clear strategies and direction; territorial local authorities, resource consent consultants and applicants in assisting them to understand background issues prior to carrying out iwi consultation. Specific benefits include:

  • Allowing Tängata Whenua to be proactive to consent applications or environmental problems that affect respective areas.
  • Allows territorial local authorities, applicants and consultants to be proactive in determining what might potentially affect Tängata Whenua.
  • It sets out Iwi kaupapa on environmental matters allowing some consistency and education.
  • It often sets out how whanau, hapü and iwi wish to participate in environmental matters and the level of relationship desired with the ARC.
  • States expectations about how local authority agencies should exercise functions and responsibilities under the RMA 1991.
  • It sets out the ground rules for consultation with whanau, hapü and iwi.
Continue to Current Iwi Plans