2022 NZPI CONFERENCE PRESENTATION


How far have we come?

Reflecting on the effectiveness of cultural impact assessments


PRESENTED BY: Dyanna Jolly



The RMA 1991 and its effects based orientation, along with inclusion of critical Māori cultural provisions, opened the door for mana whenua to identify the effects of proposed project themselves. Cultural impact assessments (CIA) are a well-established part of the Aotearoa New Zealand planning system. We have a wealth of experience and hundreds of reports. However, to date there has been no formal analysis of the extent to which the potential of such door-opening has been realised. This presentation shares key findings from recent research evaluating CIA effectiveness, based on lived experiences. How far do CIAs go to deliver outcomes mana whenua define as positive? How much strategic value do CIAs provide, as one of a number of planning tools for achieving mana whenua aspirations? What factors explain the nature and extent of outcomes in particular cases? Resource management reform presents an opportunity to reflect on the role and purpose of CIA, and to contemplate what a Te Tiriti-centred Indigenous impact assessment model could or should like look.