Going for Housing Growth: Providing for urban development in the new resource management system

Officials have engaged with Treaty partners (for example, post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs)) on changes proposed as part of the broader national direction package, when these proposals were intended to be implemented through changes to the NPS-UD, but this engagement has been at a relatively high-level. We are seeking feedback on further impacts on Māori from those identified at a high level below through this consultation process. 

As the specific proposals in this discussion document will feed into the broader reform programme, further engagement with Treaty partners will occur as part of that.

Existing barriers and the nature of whenua Māori may reduce the impact these proposals can have on unlocking whenua Māori, requiring other tailored interventions.

There are likely a number of general positive impacts for Māori from the proposals. Housing growth targets and intensification provisions seek to increase the supply of land available for housing and businesses, making development easier and housing more affordable for all groups, including Māori.

Enabling mixed-use could better provide for the cultural and other needs of Māori in urban environments, including through encouraging a mix of uses that can support community aspirations, such as providing for the establishment of marae and associated activities.

Responsiveness to private plan changes could make it easier for Māori to rezone or develop land (including whenua Māori), while excessive responsiveness could dilute the strategic direction in strategic documents such as spatial plans, which to date have usually been developed in conjunction with hapū and iwi.

However, a shift towards more rigid, centrally determined policy, which provides for less local government discretion at the implementation stage, could function to narrow the scope for Māori engagement in the policy process.