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The purpose of this report is to set the context for further research investigating the role of iwi management plans (IMPs) in natural hazard management. An IMP is a resource management plan prepared by an extended Māori kinship group or authority. IMPs provide an opportunity to include information on natural hazards, their preferred management options, action points for reducing risks, and engagement processes to assist with the transfer of natural hazard science and mitigation measures. They provide a valuable strategic tool for natural hazard management, however their potential influence and role is uncertain.

IMPs are legislated under the Resource Management Act (RMA), and therefore have the potential to provide very strong guidance to users of IMPs. IMPs can contribute to the co-management and/or co-governance tools available to both iwi and local government by providing important guidance as to priorities, issues, actions, and engagement processes. The following research stages will review how councils and others use IMPs, to assess if they are being used to their full potential.

This report forms the first stage in a four-stage research programme: Stage 2 will investigate how natural hazards are incorporated into IMPs in the Bay Of Plenty region; Stage 3 will explore the relationship between IMPs, science translation, and council use of natural hazard information within IMPs; and Stage 4 will provide a summary discussion of the findings, and a potential alternative planning framework to strengthen the links between mātauranga Māori, IMPs, councils, and scientists/researchers.