Influential Indigenous voices? Evaluating cultural impact assessment effectiveness in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori have prepared their own impact assessments for three decades. Yet, there has been no evaluation of effectiveness. Asking practitioners and experts to reflect on their experiences with Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA), we addressed the question ‘how far do CIA go to deliver outcomes Māori define as positive’? Interweaving Indigenous lived experiences with Indigenous theory, we undertook a critical analysis of CIA effectiveness. We found that CIA are delivering positive outcomes, but these are highly variable, and fall short of substantial outcomes consistent with the partnership and the dual planning framework envisioned by the Treaty of Waitangi. 1 To be effective, CIA functions best when it is Indigenous-led and–in the wider Aotearoa New Zealand planning and impact assessment framework–also Treaty-led. The Māori experience contributes to the developing international field of Indigenous IA.