Te Pokapū - May 2026

Kia ora koutou

As we move closer to winter and Puanga/Matariki, many iwi, hapū and whānau are balancing immediate pressures with longer‑term aspirations for whenua, people, and place.

The recent weather upheavals and likely ongoing cycles of these weather events also mean our whānau and marae play host to many community welfare hubs, shelters or refuge from the weather.

Ngā Whakahōutanga | Key Updates

Crown land legislation update

The Government has introduced the Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill, which proposes changes to Crown land management, including Crown pastoral land. Submissions on the Bill will be open to the public after the Bill has been referred to Select Committee. More information about the Bill can be found at:
Crown Land Legislation Reforms

A list of all the projects and policies currently underway can be found at:
Hōtaka | Projects

Public Works Act reforms – information update

Reforms to the Public Works Act 1981 continue to progress. Recent amendments include updated payment settings and clearer requirements for early engagement, including longer engagement timeframes for Māori freehold land. The Bill does not amend provisions relating to the processes followed when land taken under the Act is no longer required by the Crown. LINZ’s role is to support the administration of the Act and provide guidance on its operation.

Learn more about Public Works Act reforms

Contributions to iwi consultation: Fast track projects

With the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and amendments in 2025, iwi or Māori are invited to work with a panel to consider tikanga Māori during hearings and hui, accepting evidence in te reo, site visits or holding hearings on marae. As a consultant, Māori are able to claim a contribution to their costs. LINZ has been asked to share information to raise awareness.

Applying for a contribution fee payment

Planning, development and resilience data

Severe weather events such as flooding, cyclones and strong winds are having an impact on whānau, hapū and iwi. LINZ provides land and location information that can support with planning, development, and resilience mahi.

Explore the resources for infrastructure resilience

Using LINZ data in ways that support iwi data sovereignty

LINZ data can be downloaded and used offline, combined with iwi‑held knowledge, and shared selectively based on local governance decisions. This supports iwi capability‑building while retaining control over sensitive information.

View our factsheet for LINZ GIS data for iwi, Māori and communities

New Minister for Land Information New Zealand

The new Minister of Land Information is Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa and is based in Masterton. He has an agricultural background and is also the Associate Minister for Agriculture.