Māori Councillors Advocate for Enduring Iwi-Council Partnerships Amid RMA Reforms

On Friday, 7 August 2026, Māori councillors across Aotearoa called on the Government to preserve existing Resource Management Act (RMA) agreements that formalise the relationship between councils and iwi. Te Maruata, the Māori councillors’ network of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), is advocating for the retention of Mana Whakahono ā Rohe deals, which they say are essential for durable, high-trust partnerships. Te Maruata co-chair and New Plymouth district councillor Dinnie Moeahu addressed misconceptions regarding the agreements, clarifying that they do not transfer decision-making power to iwi. Instead, Moeahu said Mana Whakahono support long-term partnerships and reduce the need for ad hoc responses. He noted that these agreements are designed to strengthen relationships without overriding the decisions made by elected members at the council table. The push for recognition comes as RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced plans to limit the scope of future participation agreements. While the Government has expressed concern over the rapid increase in these deals, Māori leaders highlight the significant time and goodwill invested in them. Aubrey Ria, Te Maruata co-chair and Gisborne deputy mayor, noted that the partnership mechanism was originally introduced by National in 2017 to foster collaboration. The positive environmental outcomes of these partnerships were highlighted by Ngāti Maru, who recently signed an agreement with the Taranaki Regional Council. Anaru Marshall, tumu whakarae of Te Kahui o Maru, stated the agreement was crafted as a template for other tribes to improve the health of rivers and the environment. Marshall emphasised that the benefits of these formalised relationships extend beyond iwi to the wider community, fostering a collaborative approach to resource management that benefits all New Zealanders.