ACT proposes ban on mandatory karakia in resource consents
Saturday 3 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story ACT Party
The ACT Party wants to change planning laws to prevent resource consents from requiring developers to participate in or fund karakia and other religious observances. Spokesperson Simon Court announced the policy, stating that planning decisions should focus on identifiable effects rather than spiritual requirements.
Key facts
4 facts
- ACT proposes banning mandatory spiritual observances in resource consents
- The policy includes replacing Te Mana o te Wai with measurable freshwater outcomes
- The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act received Royal assent this week
- IKEA’s Sylvia Park consent requires seven mana whenua groups to attend ceremonies
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The ACT Party is seeking changes to planning law to prevent resource consents from requiring developers to participate in or fund karakia and other religious or spiritual observances. Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change spokesperson Simon Court announced the policy on Saturday. Under the proposal, a claim of spiritual harm or a religious belief could not alone be used to restrict a consent or impose conditions.
Court stated that planning law should focus on effects that are identifiable, measurable, and testable. He argued that "New Zealanders should be able to build a house, a solar farm or a factory without being made to take part in, or pay for, a religious ceremony as a condition of consent". While the changes would ban compulsory practices, individuals could still participate voluntarily.
The party noted that some existing consents, such as those for IKEA’s Sylvia Park and solar farms in Ongaonga and Ōpunake, include requirements to invite mana whenua to ceremonies. Court also cited the Ōtākiri water-bottling dispute, which reached the Supreme Court, as an example of spiritual evidence entering the resource management system.
ACT also intends to replace Te Mana o te Wai with measurable freshwater outcomes regarding water quality, human health, and ecosystem health. Court said these changes would not remove protections for urupā, archaeological sites, heritage sites, or Treaty settlement rights.
Where reports differ
- One report states the policy was announced on Saturday, while another states it was announced on Saturday afternoon
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.
