Section 8 - Treaty of Waitangi

Section 8 requires that all persons exercising functions and powers under the Resource Management Act take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

In achieving the purpose of this Act, 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).

It is important to note the distinction between the “principles of the Treaty of Waitangi ” and the actual text(s) of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi). The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi include the duty of the Crown and Māori to act reasonably and in good faith and the duty of the Crown to actively protect Māori interests and make informed decisions (which in most cases will require consultation).

Last updated at 2:30PM on January 4, 2018