An Update from the Ministry for the Environment 

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Kaitiaki insights into implementation of our future resource management system

He mihi – Thank you for attending our online engagement hui on Tuesday 22 November 2022 to discuss the key considerations for transitioning and implementing the future resource management system.

The Spatial Planning Bill and Natural and Built Environment Bill have now been referred to the Environment Select Committee.  The closing date for written submissions on both bills is Monday, 30 January 2023 at 11.59pm.

Although we can provide information on the bills and the proposed new resource management system, we cannot directly influence the bills.  More information is available on our website.

If you have feedback, we encourage you to make a submission to the select committee by visiting this website.

Transition and Implementation

Link to recording: https://youtu.be/WkPlLoXg8AM
Link to presentation: November hui T&I 2022.pptxWe covered an overview of the proposed new system and comparison to the existing, key implications for hapū, iwi and Māori, initial thinking around funding participation, and regional decision making.

Discussion encompassed current and future challenges, transition pathways such as the first tranche of model regional implementation and readiness for delivery, digital transformation and capacity and training opportunities.

Key themes of the discussion also included:

• transitioning current RMA related Treaty settlements and agreements into the future system
• funding/resourcing available for hapū, iwi and Māori for implementation activities, including digital capabilities – a need to address rural areas with a lack of digital connectivity to ensure Māori communities can access, engage and enjoy the efficiencies digital pathways can offer
• inequity and lack of hapū, iwi and Māori participation – complexity being a key factor
• 1^st tranche model plan implementation: which regions, potential impacts are there for hapū, iwi and Māori, funding/resourcing Māori
• recognising and empowering existing relationships
• the need for a ‘all of government’ approach to make the system work as intended for Māori
• ensuring the future system improves notification of hapū to address an imbalance in influence with regards to consenting.

National Planning Framework (NPF)

Link to recording: https://youtu.be/ElibxAkklp4
Link to presentation: NPF new domains engagement .pptx

This hui covered an overview of the way the NPF and roadmap within the future system, the overarching layer, redrafting of national direction, the focus on RSS and environmental targets and limits.

The conversation included the alignment of the proposed bills with the NPF, giving effect to partnership within a te ao Māori view, support and funding to participate in the development of new NPF.

Key themes of the discussion also included:

• understanding the implementation principles within the overarching layers of the NPF (e.g., the definition of kaitiakitanga within the new system)
• ensuring there is an understanding of ‘who’ has mana in their respective regions with regards to future representation
• the concept of Te Mana o te Wai and the relation to Te Oranga o Te Taiao
• potentially unmanageable timeframes and implementation happening at pace.

Climate Change – Managed Retreat

Link to recording: https://youtu.be/CTyFXYNs7Pw
Link to presentation: Workshop presentation- scene setting.pptx

An overview of the managed retreat work program was provided including the Climate Adaptation Act within the future system, anticipated timelines for the development of the climate adaptation legislation, and planning for climate changes. Key considerations also included the proposed scope of the adaptation legislation, understanding what managed retreat is, and themes from the past managed retreat engagement.

Discussions took place in smaller groups in breakout rooms to encourage in-depth korero/conversation. The five questions posed can be found in the presentation slides linked above.

Key themes of the discussion included:

• ongoing degradation of the taiao and rivers and the ongoing grievance for iwi, hapū, Māori
• a need for an understanding of how many marae/pā/wāhi tapu and sites of significance might be affected and timeframes, funding to support hapū, iwi and Māori to prepare and make change.