9 Apr 2014

Few checks on sensitive land effects

7:06 pm on 9 April 2014

Only a third of local and regional councils have a policy to report on the effects of works carried out on culturally sensitive sites.

The details are published in the latest government survey on how authorities handle the Resource Management Act.

The value of Maori land is measured in what is known as cultural impact assessments, which is aimed at leading to meaningful consultation with tangata whenua.

Environment Minister Amy Adams said it was surprising so few councils had the policy, and the Government wanted to make improvements in council engagement.

Ms Adams said Cabinet was working on Resource Management Act reforms, which would give tribes a bigger role in planning decisions.