11413 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

11413 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: It is his intention that the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill limits Auckland Council’s “consideration of Māori values, rights and interests and does not align with the council’s strategic commitment to work with Māori in a way that respects and recognises te Tiriti” as Auckland Council wrote in their submission, and if not, what changes, if any, would he consider?

Hon Chris Bishop: The continuation of effective working relationships between Councils and Māori will be crucial in the new regime. The Bills include system goals and specific requirements that provide for Māori interests and require engagement with iwi and hapū in planning processes. Councils will need to work with iwi to implement the new system requirements, and will be required to consider the values, rights and interests of Māori as part of the planning process in light of the system goals and any national direction once developed. The Bills are currently before the Environment Committee, and the Government will consider changes in line with the Committee’s recommendations.