Consult with iwi and hapū

Enable an equitable and just transition

Evidence indicates that existing inequalities within society will be exacerbated by the effects of and responses to climate change*. To support a transition that serves society effectively and does not exaggerate inequalities, engineers need to collaborate with marginalised and frontline communities to create solutions that address the needs and concerns of these groups.

In the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, enabling a just transition requires specific consideration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Crown, and iwi partnership. It is essential to engage with iwi and hapū, to ensure solutions that are effective and appropriate.

Questions to ask yourself

1. Have I considered Te Ao Māori/Mātauranga Māori/tikanga Māori in my engineering activities?
2. Have I engaged responsibly with community, stakeholders, local iwi and hapū to ensure that their perspectives and concerns are addressed in my engineering plans?
3. Have I discussed with local iwi, hapū and other stakeholders the potential impacts of my engineering activities on local ecosystems and biodiversity, and how I can address their concerns?
4. How am I factoring in the reasonably foreseeable long-term needs of future generations while collaborating with local iwi and hapū in my decision-making process?

For further information about the nine actions, view Practice Note 32 – The role of the engineer

* Reisinger, A., Kitching, R., Chiew, F., Hughes, L., Newton, P., Schuster, S., Tait, A., Whetton, P., Barnett, J., Becken, S., Blackett, P., Boulter, S., Campbell, A., Collins, D., Davies, J., Dear, K., Dovers, S., Finlay, K., & Glavovic, B. (2014). Australasia. In Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Ed.), Climate Change 2014 –Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability: Part B: Regional Aspects: Working Group II Contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report: Volume 2: Regional Aspects (Vol. 2, pp. 1371–1438). Cambridge University Press.