Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board Submission | July 2026
The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board lodged a submission on the Conservation Amendment Bill, expressing strong opposition to the Bill in its current form.
While acknowledging the need for conservation reform, the Board considers the proposed legislation fails to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, weakens existing Treaty settlement arrangements, and prioritises commercial outcomes over the long-term protection of our whenua, wai and taonga.
The submission highlights the unique conservation arrangements held by Ngāti Tūwharetoa, including the management of Taupō Waters, the statutory role of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, and the significance of Tongariro National Park. It outlines the potential impacts of the Bill on these arrangements and calls for a renewed approach to conservation reform that is developed in genuine partnership with iwi and hapū.
The Trust Board is seeking that the Bill be withdrawn and that conservation reform discussions recommence with iwi and hapū at the table from the outset.
Read the full submission. TMTB_Submission on Conservation Amendment Bill_20260713 (ID 28774)