Maori are likely have permanent representation on two of the Taranaki Regional Council's powerful standing committees by the end of the year.
Mount Taranaki Photo: 123rf
A mechanism giving iwi three representatives on the Policy and Planning and Regulatory committees is included in the Treaty settlements of Te Atiawa, Taranaki and Ngaruahine.
The kaitumuaki of Te Korowai o Ngaruahine Trust Cassandra Crowley said the mechanism would be triggered for all Taranaki iwi who wanted to be involved when the first settlement was approved by legislation.
That was expected to be Ngaruahine's, and within the next three months.
Ms Crowley said a regional council had similar responsibilities to the te ao Maori concept of a kaitiaki and iwi were looking forward to working with it to protect the Taranaki environment.