You may be asked to comment or provide feedback on a project if it sits within your rohe and you are a relevant iwi authority, hapū or Treaty settlement entity under the Fast-track law. It is a necessary first step an applicant must fulfil for their proposal to progress through the Fast-track decision-making process. The Minister for Infrastructure must also invite comments from certain Māori groups on referral applications.
All referral applications need a special report, written by the Ministry for the Environment | Te Manatū mō te Taiao, that considers Treaty settlements but must also include comments from Māori groups who have been identified in a rohe and who could have interests in a project. The Ministry will also consult other government departments, including Te Tari Whakatau and Te Puni Kōkiri.
Ka whakanuia tōu kōrero (your feedback is important). However, government agencies are working to a demanding deadline.
After an application has been accepted for consideration through the Fast-track process, Māori may also be invited by the expert panel to comment on the application.
Claiming a contribution for your feedback
The Fast-track Approvals (Cost Recovery) Regulations 2025 define the Māori Consultation Groups that can claim a contribution fee.
Fast-track may pay a prescribed contribution to your costs if you have been invited to comment on an application, and you provide comments in response. This contribution comes from the initial application fee paid by the applicant when they lodge their application.
Māori Consultation Group means any of the following who have been invited to comment on a referral application, a land exchange application, or a substantive application:
iwi authorities
iwi authorities and groups that represent hapū that are parties to relevant Mana Whakahono ā Rohe or joint management agreements
Treaty settlement entities
groups with recognised negotiation mandates for, or current negotiations for, Treaty settlements
protected customary rights groups and customary marine title groups
applicant groups with applications for customary marine title under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011
the tangata whenua of any area within the project area that is a taiāpure-local fishery, a mātaitai reserve, or an area that is subject to bylaws made under Part 9 of the Fisheries Act 1996
ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou
the owners of Māori land in the project area
any Māori group identified under section 17(2), 35(1)(c), 53(2)(n), or 53(3) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.