New Zealand has seen a sharp increase in Extractive Industry (oil, gas and mining) projects in recent years, and the government has been strongly supportive of investment in this sector.

Some iwi and hapū have been engaged in high profile demonstrations against the industry ... but many Māori communities struggle to effectively engage with the industry, and in particular, point to inadequate consultation processes.

Last years NPM Innovative Legal Solutions project explored how recent developments in international law (particularly human rights law) can provide insights into addressing the concerns raised by iwi and hapū, and assist in charting a path forward for Māori.