Mana Whenua
It is important to understand mana whenua values in the context of the Proposed District Plan.
What does mana whenua mean?
Mana whenua refers to the Māori group that has customary authority and responsibility for a particular area of land and its natural resources.
In the Gore District, Ngāi Tahu whānui are recognised as mana whenua, and are represented locally by the Hokonui Rūnanga.
Mana whenua has a deep, enduring relationship with the land, water, and natural environment. This relationship brings both rights and responsibilities, including contributing to environmental decision-making.
Why do mana whenua matter in district planning?
New Zealand law requires councils to:
- Recognise the relationship Māori have with their ancestral lands and waters
- Have regard to kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
- Take into account the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Proposed District Plan reflects these obligations by ensuring mana whenua values are recognised across the entire District, not just in specific locations.
How does the Proposed District Plan provide for mana whenua?
The Plan has been developed in partnership with the Hokonui Rūnanga through:
- Mana whenua representation on the District Plan Review sub-committee
- Co-drafting
of key chapters, including:
- Mana Whenua
- Māori Cultural Values
- Māori Purpose Zones
- Ongoing technical input on specific planning matters
This ensures mana whenua perspectives are built into the Plan from the outset.
What is different about this Plan?
Unlike older district plans, mana whenua values are not limited to a small number of mapped sites. Instead:
- Mana whenua values are woven throughout the Plan’s objectives, policies, and decision-making
- Cultural considerations apply where relevant, depending on the type of activity and its effects
- The Mana Whenua chapter itself contains no rules. It provides context and guidance
This approach better reflects how mana whenua relate to the environment as a whole.
What are Māori Cultural Values (MCVs)?
The Māori Cultural Values chapter supports the Mana Whenua chapter by:
- Explaining when mana whenua input may be required
- Guiding how cultural values are considered during consent processes
Rather than restricting development, this approach helps ensure:
- Potential impacts are identified early
- Activities can be designed in a way that respects cultural values
- Engagement is clear, consistent, and proportionate
Will I need to consult mana whenua to do anything on my land?
Not automatically. You may need mana whenua input only if:
- A resource consent is already required under another rule (for example, subdivision, earthworks, or works near waterways), and
- The activity may affect mana whenua values
In many cases, the Council’s planners will advise whether consultation is needed and can help facilitate contact.
Should landowners be concerned?
No.
In practice, this approach:
- Makes existing processes clearer
- Reduces uncertainty about when engagement is required
- Helps avoid delays later in the consent process
It reflects how planning has already been working in many cases, but in a clearer, more transparent way.
What are Māori Purpose Zones?
Māori Purpose Zones recognise places where Māori communities have long-standing connections, including:
- O Te Ika Rama Marae
- Mataura Marae
- Hokonui Marae
- The Hokonui Rūnanga complex
These zones allow for cultural, community, and development activities that support the ongoing use of these sites.
How does this differ from the Operative District Plan?
The Operative District Plan:
- Has a limited explanation of mana whenua values
- Focuses on a small number of archaeological sites
- Does not clearly provide for activities on marae sites
The Proposed District Plan:
- Clearly explains mana whenua values and interests
- Integrates those values across the entire Plan
- Provides greater certainty for both mana whenua and landowners
Where can I get more information?
- Read the Mana Whenua and Māori Cultural Values chapters in the Proposed District Plan
- Talk to the Council’s planning team for guidance
- Refer to iwi planning documents such as Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku Natural Resource and Environmental Iwi Management Plan 2008 – The Cry of the People Te Tangi a Tauira . Here is the link
Important Note
This page provides a general overview only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the official provisions contained in the Proposed District Plan or the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991. Please refer to the Proposed Gore District Plan for comprehensive and authoritative guidance.
Details about the review, hearing process and background information, including supporting documents, reports and maps, can be found by clicking this link to the Council’s Let’s Talk website.
