6. Conclusions

• communicating the views, beliefs and perspectives of iwi to their own people and to external stakeholders

• facilitating the development of more effective relationships with councils and other stakeholders

• clarifying the priorities for iwi environmental management

• providing a more focussed and strategic approach for iwi.

Although the outcomes provided by IMPs have varied widely, the majority of iwi remain committed to their use in environmental management. About half of all iwi are listed as having an IMP and others are keen to develop them.

KCSM see the effectiveness of IMPs is hampered in many cases by:

• a lack of resources and funding to support their development and use

• a lack of expertise amongst many iwi

• a lack of support by councils for iwi involvement in environmental management

• limited requirements in the legislation to ensure iwi involvement.

However, developing and using an IMP has been important in supporting iwi involvement in environmental management. The iwi that have had significant involvement in environmental management in their rohe have had an IMP and have used to their advantage to develop effective relationships with councils and developers. Many iwi consider that their impact on environmental outcomes will be progressed if effective working relationship can be established. Overall, iwi still see their relationships with councils to be poor.