Engaging with Māori groups with rights and interests
Engaging with Māori Engagement with Māori is required at several stages of the offshore renewable energy regime. This includes engagement by developers before they apply for a permit, consultation during MBIE’s assessment, and ongoing engagement if a permit is granted.
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Before applying for a feasibility permit
Before applying for a feasibility permit, developers must consult relevant Māori groups who have rights and interests with proposed development area.
This may include iwi authorities, hapū, Treaty settlement entities, protected customary rights groups, customary marine title groups, and other groups identified in section 14 of the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026. Developers must include a record of this consultation in their application and explain how it has informed their proposed development.
During the assessment of feasibility applications
MBIE will consult relevant Māori groups on behalf of the Minister for Energy as part of the assessment of feasibility permit applications.
This consultation will help us understand how proposed developments could affect Māori rights and interests. For example, relevant Māori groups may provide information about customary rights, sites or areas of significance, existing uses of the area, or other matters that should be considered.
This information will be considered as part of the assessment process and when advising the Minister. The Minister decides whether to grant a feasibility permit and what conditions should apply.
For the current application round, we expect consultation to take place around mid-2027. We will publish more information about the timing and how relevant Māori groups can participate closer to the time.
If a feasibility permit is granted
The Offshore Renewable Energy Feasibility Permit Application Round Notice 2026 (ORE-RN-2026-001) sets out permit conditions relating to engagement with Māori that apply to all permits awarded in that round. Developers granted a feasibility permit must continue engaging with relevant Māori groups, including iwi and hapū, throughout the duration of the permit and provide annual reports on that engagement.
Further permits and approvals
Any developer who goes on to apply for a commercial permit must consult with relevant Māori groups prior to submitting their application. The Minister must also consult with relevant Māori groups before awarding a commercial permit.
Before building any offshore renewable energy infrastructure, developers must identify and apply for any additional consents. This includes resource or marine consents. These processes may include separate requirements to engage with relevant Māori groups.