by the indigenous peoples themselves, in accordance with their own laws, traditions
and customs, and through their own representative institutions.65
Where an activity or action might result in a breach of rights, judicial and
administrative review should be available and reflect indigenous peoples’ rights in
the Declaration, including their rights to self-determination and effective remedies,
their rights under international law, domestic law, and their own laws, customs and
protocols.66
This means that the Government should ensure that consultation processes are
non-coercive, are designed to support consensus building within the indigenous
peoples’ community and that they avoid practices that might cause division. 67
The Government should also establish preconditions for achieving free, prior and
informed consent. These preconditions should be aimed at building trust, take a
good faith approach, and reflect culturally appropriate methods of negotiation and
recognition and respect for human rights.68
The Principle of Good Faith
EMRIP has observed that the principle of good faith under the Declaration requires
that consultations with indigenous peoples are carried out in a climate of mutual
trust and transparency.69 This is also an issue at the heart of the current dispute
over the land at Puketāpapa.
The Declaration provides that indigenous peoples must be given sufficient time to
engage in their own decision-making process and to participate in decisions taken
in a manner consistent with their cultural and social practices. 70 The objective of
consultations should be to achieve agreement or consensus.71
The Declaration does not envision a single moment or action but a process of
dialogue and negotiation over the course of a project, from planning to
implementation and follow-up.72
The obligation of the State under the Declaration to “consult and co-operate” with
indigenous peoples also implies that they have the right to influence the outcome of
decision-making processes affecting them, not just the right to be involved in such
processes or have their views heard.73 This would support direct engagement by
the Government with all mana whenua. Efforts should be made to include and
understand the specific impacts on women, children, youth and disabled people.74
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