Indigenous Resource Management Plans: Transporting Non-Indigenous People into the Indigenous World

Abstract

The paper explores the degree to which Indigenous groups perceive that resource management plans they develop are able to help deliver outcomes they seek through formal planning systems. It does this by a case study of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some Indigenous groups are concerned they are being encouraged to devote considerable effort to production of major planning documents for use in interaction with environmental agencies, yet in practice, such plans can appear to have a limited role in bringing about desired change or affecting wider planning processes. The research contributes a New Zealand dimension to this international debate.

Keywords:

• Indigenous planning
• inclusive participation
• iwi management plan
• collaborative relationships
• New Zealand

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a University of Otago Research Grant. Our thanks go to Sarah McGregor for her research assistance.