Volume One 3. Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi [RPS] Objective 3.5 – Resource management decision making processes that give particular consideration to the cultural and spiritual values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi. Through a number of the issues described in 3A to 3J, Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi have clearly identified that current decision making processes on resource management matters do not always appropriately consider the cultural and spiritual values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi. While there has been ongoing consultation between the Council and Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi in the preparation of the MEP, it is important this continues as the MEP is implemented and monitored in the future. On-going consultation and involvement in decision making will help to ensure that the cultural and spiritual values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi are given recognition. POLICIES TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES 3.1 TO 3.5 [RPS] Policy 3.1.1 – Management of natural and physical resources in Marlborough will be carried out in a manner that: (a) takes into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including kāwanatanga, rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection of natural resources and spiritual recognition. (b) recognises that the way in which the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi will be applied will continue to evolve; (c) promotes awareness and understanding of the Marlborough District Council’s obligations under the Resource Management Act 1991 regarding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi among Council decision makers, staff and the community; (d) recognises that tangata whenua have rights protected by the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that consequently the Resource Management Act 1991 accords iwi a status distinct from that of interest groups and members of the public; and (e) recognises the right of each iwi to define their own preferences for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources, where this is not inconsistent with the Resource Management Act 1991. The policy identifies the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi that Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi have determined are important in terms of sustainably managing Marlborough’s natural and physical resources and that the way in which these principles are taken into account will continue to evolve over time. [RPS] Policy 3.1.2 – An applicant will be expected to consult early in the development of a proposal (for resource consent or plan change) so that cultural values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi can be taken into account. Only Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi can identify their relationship and that of their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga. This means that iwi are in the best position to determine whether a proposal will affect areas of significance for iwi. It is therefore important that consultation with iwi occurs early in the planning of a development (either by resource consent or plan change) to ensure impacts are appropriately identified and addressed. 3 – 15