Works and network utilities may have adverse effects. However, the community often accepts this because the service is required for the effective functioning of our society. Adverse social, economic and environmental effects would result if works and infrastructure services were not provided. It is acknowledged, that works and infrastructure can be developed by "Requiring Authorities", private companies and in some cases individual groups or persons.

Tangata Whenua

The Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is the founding document of Aotearoa/New Zealand. It provided for the exercise of kawanatanga, governance, by the Crown, while actively protecting te tino rangitiratanga, full authority, of the iwi in respect of their natural, physical and metaphysical resources.

In exercising this governance, the Crown has made laws relating to the promotion of sustainable management of natural and physical resources. The Resource Management Act 1991, requires that in achieving the purpose of the Act all persons exercising functions and powers under it shall

• Recognise and provide for the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga as a matter of national importance
• Have particular regard to kaitiakitanga
• Take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Objectives and Visions

• To maintain and encourage kaitiaki responsibility (guardianship) of Maori by implementing a partnership approach to the sustainable management of the District’s natural and physical resource.

Pressures

Land use activities and subdivision development may adversely affect sites of cultural significance to iwi. Sites might be modified, damaged or destroyed by construction activity, roads or housing development. To avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects will require

• An understanding with the local iwi or hapu to identify sites of cultural significance potentially affected by development
• Development of a partnership between iwi and Council
• Increased involvement of iwi in the decision making process such as plan development and monitoring.

Matamata Piako District has been subject to settlement by a range of peoples. Maori first arrived and were followed by Europeans. As a result there is a wealth of diverse cultural heritage within the District.