Ngā Mahere Iwi/Hapū mō ngā Take Taiao — Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Plans

Applications for the latest IHEMP funding round are now open – get your application in by 28 February 2025.

An Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Plan (IHEMP) is a resource management plan developed by a hapū, iwi, or iwi authority. These plans are holistic documents that set out environmental and resource management planning issues, objectives, policies, plans, and/or methods of concern and interest to tāngata whenua in their rohe.

IHEMPs may also contain information relating to specific cultural values, cultural monitoring frameworks, historical accounts, and descriptions of areas of interest (hapū/iwi boundaries/rohe) and consultation/engagement protocols for resource consents and monitoring, plan changes, and matters of significance for tāngata whenua.

Importance of Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Plans

IHEMPs recognised by an Iwi Authority provide a mechanism for tāngata whenua interests to be considered in council decision-making. Regional and district councils must always balance competing interests. However, specific legislative obligations under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) require councils to take into account iwi/hapū planning documents such as IHEMPs.

Reflecting the strong commitment of Northland Regional Council (NRC) to partnership with tāngata whenua, the Regional Policy Statement for Northland describes policies relating to the kaitiaki role of tāngata whenua and to Treaty of Waitangi principles including partnership. IHEMP preparation is part of being involved in resource management, provides a foundation for partnership with Northland Regional Council, and supports the exercise of kaitiakitanga by tāngata whenua.

Additionally, the Proposed Regional Plan states that a resource consent application must include, in its environmental effects assessment, an analysis of likely adverse effects of an activity on tāngata whenua and their taonga. Among other things, the analysis must have regard to any relevant planning document — e.g. IHEMP — recognised by an iwi authority.

Funding and application criteria

A total fund of $30,000 is available from council for the development, review and updating of Hapū/Iwi environmental management plans. The maximum allocation for any one application for funding is $10,000. The fund provides financial and technical support for hapū and iwi for their Resource Management Planning Project.

Funding will only be granted where:

  • The applicant is an established legal or operational tāngata whenua entity such as a marae committee, hapū trust, iwi authority, or a consultant contracted to act on the entity’s behalf.
  • The IHEMP deals with a range of environmental management planning issues, objectives, policies, plans, and/or methods of concern and interest to tāngata whenua in the rohe.
  • The applicant presents climate change-related issues, objectives, policies, plans, and/or methods for funding consideration.
  • Evidence is provided of endorsement from the tāngata whenua entity for whom the plan will be prepared.
  • There is demonstrated confidence that the relevant iwi authority will recognise the completed plan prior to its lodgement with NRC (such recognition is required under the RMA).

Applicants must agree to:

  • Allow NRC the opportunity to review a draft version of the plan before it is formally lodged.
  • Formally lodge the final IHEMP with NRC.
  • Allow NRC to make an electronic copy of the IHEMP publicly available on its website.

Application criteria document

For a full description of the fund and the application criteria, download:  

How to apply

Applications for the current round of contestable funding will be accepted from Friday 8 November 2024 to Friday 28 February 2025 with an aim to notify successful applicants by end of March 2025.

What you'll need to show in your application

  • Whether the application is made by hapū/iwi and is a legal entity;
  • Evidence of mandate and a letter of recognition supported by an Iwi Authority;
  • The area of interest and any shared areas of interest with neighbouring hapū/iwi; and
  • A breakdown of the funding sought, indicating how the funds will be used.

Application form

Submitting the application form

Completed applications must be submitted by a person duly authorised by the Hāpu and/or iwi and returned by:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Northland Regional Council, Private Bag 9021, Whangārei Mail Centre, Whangārei 0148
  • Delivery: to our main office at 36 Water Street, Whangārei; or to any of our regional offices

Need help?

If you need more information about Iwi/Hapū Management Plans, contact:

Harley Iraia, Kaiāwhina Kaupapa Māori, Northland Regional Council
P: 0800 002 004 | E: [email protected]

FAQs - Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Planning Fund
Get the answers to some of your questions about the plans.
Plans held by council
A list of iwi and hapū who have developed environmental management plans and formally lodged them with council.
Related Links