Introduction

Sustainability is an important issue in contemporary public policy not least because of the effects climate change is having on our environment. This policy report will examine how these methods of sustainable development practiced by Maori kin groups, alongside government regulations, might improve the role of local councils and the New Zealand public in becoming more sustainable. Current legislation such as the Resource Management Act 1991 will be discussed, and analytical tools such as Market Analysis will be used to examine how this policy issue can be resolved by using a case study concerning the Sealord Deal in 1992. The case study will explain how Maori use methods of sustainable development appropriately alongside government regulations, such as the Quota Management System. A discussion will follow the issues highlighted in the case study, and implications surrounding this policy issue will also be considered.