South Taranaki's mayor wants a share of oil and gas earnings following a recommendation by the Waitangi Tribunal that Maori affected by the petroleum industry should be paid royalties.
In December, the tribunal criticised councils for failing to protect Maori interests and sacred sites from the petrochemical industry.
The South Taranaki District Council now says iwi are more than just affected parties and has pledged a dedicated effort to get their input into the District Plan.
Mayor Ross Dunlop told his iwi liaison committee the council also wants a cut of the royalty dollars flowing from the wells.
Iwi say they will spearhead efforts to keep royalties local.
However, they say councils must fulfil resource management Treaty obligations delegated to them by the Crown.
