Useful Web Links
The following is a list of links to various resources on key documents, research work and background information related to Māori participation, the Local Government Act and other related pieces of legislations.
Local Government Act 2002
What is local government and how does it operate?
The following three Information Sheets (in .pdf format) describe how you can get involved in decision-making.
- Local Government - How Can You Get Involved (pdf 500kb). To view this document you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC. You can download Acrobat Reader for free from the Adobe website.
- Participate In Local Elections. (393kb). It is important that Māori are better represented in all areas of local government. This Information Sheet provides more detail on things to consider when standing or voting in the local elections.
- Information on the requirements for local government to involve Māori in decision-making.
Local Government New Zealand
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) represents the national interests of all 78 councils of New Zealand on its website. It has started work on a long term project with the Department of Internal Affairs to help build stronger relationships between councils and Iwi, Hapu, and Maori groups to support community wellbeing. It also published the report “Local Authority Engagement with Māori – Survey of Current Council Practices, July 2004”.
LGNZ has recently published a substantial amount of information about the ways Maori and local government collaborate and interact. You can access this information on their website by clicking here.
Research
A Te Puni Kōkiri have published a research document entitled "Māori and Council Engagement Under The Resource Management Act 1991" .
The findings of four Māori participation research projects for the Electoral Commission in December 2006.
Background
Māori and the Local Government Act. A summary of feedback from the series of workshops conducted in 2003 on Treaty of Waitangi issues and the Māori provisions in the Local Government Act 2002.
Community Advisory Services and Community Grants Scheme. Provides advice to help community and voluntary groups access the skills and resources they need and includes information about community funding.
The Community Development Scheme is designed to support community, hapū / iwi / Māori, Pacific and Ethnic groups in areas of identified need to determine their own development priorities to achieve sustainable community outcomes.
Other Related Sites
Office For The Community and Voluntary Sector provides a short, practical guide to assist officials in their engagements with Māori.
Ministry For The Environment's The Sustainable Management Fund (SMF) provides $4.32 million to support the community, iwi, industry and/or local government in taking practically focused action which produces long-term environmental benefits.
Everyday Guide to the Resource Management Act. These resources; a set of booklets and a CD-ROM; were sent out to all of Maruwhenua’s resource management contacts last year. If you have not received a copy, or would like some more, the Ministry will supply them free of charge.
Quality Planning. Information about the relationship between different legislation impacting on planning and resource management (e.g. the Local Government Act 2002 and the Resource Management Act).
CommunityNet Aotearoa is an information sharing resource for New Zealand community and voluntary groups. Here you'll find guides, news and tools for and by clubs, groups, charities, trusts, hapū and iwi.
The Funding Information Service website holds searchable and detailed information about possible sources of funding for environmental and conservation projects.
Te Karere - An online portal resource providing news and information on Māori issues.
