Q. How does ERMA New Zealand deal with Treaty of Waitangi responsibilities and Māori views?
A. The Act requires the Authority to take account of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tiriti O Waitangi. To help fulfill this responsibility, the Authority has set up a Māori advisory committee Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao. Its focus is to provide advice to the Authority not the applicants. Applicants are encouraged to consult Māori and to consider the impact of their proposals on Māori culture and well-being. The evaluation of proposals by ERMA New Zealand staff also includes Māori values. The Authority regards this as a significant area and one that it wants to develop effectively. A fuller description of the role of Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Taiao is available. The requirements for Māori consultation have now been finalised. There are also new policy on Maori membership of Institutional Biological Safety Committees.
For further information see Te Hautū.
Q. Nga Kaihautu logo, what does it stand for?
A. The Nga Kaihautu logo is the ERMA New Zealand logo in reverse, a mirror image. It represents the foetus or unborn child. Indicating that the future is for the unborn, future generations. The logo is enriched with the following statement: 'Te kakano kua whakatongia ki te whare tongata'. The logo colour is deep red. This is a significant colour as it is used in traditional Māori art. For more information see Ngā Kaihautū Tikanga Tiaio.
If you have any further questions contact: info@ermanz.govt.nz. A full listing of how you can contact ERMA New Zealand is in the Contact us section.