56672 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

56672 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does the Minister share the concerns of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) that 'Recent legislative developments risk significantly curtailing statutory protections of Māori land rights, particularly with regard to their right to self-determination over lands, territories, and resources they have historically owned and used. In this context, the Committee expresses concern about the amendments under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Act (2025) and the Fast-Track Approvals Act (2024)' and if so why and if not why not?

Hon Chris Bishop: When considering referral and substantive applications, section 7 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 requires me, in my capacity as the Minister for Infrastructure, and expert panels to act in a manner that is consistent with: (a) the obligations arising under existing Treaty settlements; and (b) recognised customary rights. These obligations will continue to apply following passage of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.