A southern Taranaki iwi incorporation is pushing for a total reform of the Resource Management Act saying it's the only way to have have a stronger say over oil and mineral exploration ventures.
Taranaki tribes are in talks with the Crown about oil and gas exploration projects.
Nga Hapu o Ngaruahine Iwi Incorporation chairperson Daisy Noble says it's a challenge to deal with local councils who play a major part in allowing mining to take place under the RMA.
Ms Noble says the devil is in the detail and particular wording in Section 7 of the Act needs firming up.
She says Crown must take into "account" the concerns iwi have - rather than just having a "particular regard" for them.
She says it must be the same as Section 8 of the act, which takes into account the Crown's treaty obligations.
Mrs Noble says this and any other legislation that affects exploration and prospecting of petroleum and minerals is where the amendments need to be made to give it more teeth.
She says until that happens there actually isn't going to be change at all.
