16062 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development

16062 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development: What steps, if any, is the Minister taking to ensure that Māori decision-making rights under the RMA are not undermined by the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024?

Hon Tama Potaka: "I am following my responsibilities to ensure Māori decision-making rights are considered under relevant legislation Section 8 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 requires all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi). This legislation falls into the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment, Hon Penny Simmonds. Section 18 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, requires that the responsible Minister must, for a referral application, obtain and consider a report from me in my role as Minister for Māori Development and Minister for Crown Relations on Treaty settlements and other obligations. I continue to implement all current legislation in a manner that upholds the mana as the Minister for Māori Development. "