Abstract:
This thesis indicates that for the status of the environment and Maori women to improve Maori women must be able to participate in decision making in relation to resource management. Current models of resource management and Maori consultation through the Resource Management Act do not allow Maori women equitable participation and hence they are subjugated. New Right development theories have informed the system which Maori society seeks participation. This thesis calls for a changed society and presents a Maori ecofeminist model of consultation that aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination and provides for an equity of opportunity resulting in an improved status of the environment and Maori women.
I conclude that for any form of change to occur this must happen outside of the mainstream. Mainstream theories, such as New Right development, place value on money and efficiency before the well being of people. My recommendations are that this model be adopted and developed by Maori authorities, runanga and Government interfacing with Maori resource management issues in order that desirable outcomes can be reached for Maori women and the environment. Anything less than this will see no improvement for either.
