Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know about IwiConnect, from pricing to compliance, data sovereignty, and how the platform works.
About IwiConnect
What is IwiConnect?
IwiConnect is Aotearoa's national iwi engagement platform. It provides secure, auditable digital infrastructure for managing formal compliance engagement between iwi, hapū, councils, developers, infrastructure providers, and government agencies.
It creates a single, trusted channel for formal engagement requests and responses, with clear time-stamped records.
If you need to demonstrate defensible engagement, this is built for that.
Book a demo to see how the workflow operates in practice.
Why was IwiConnect created?
Engagement was fragmented. Iwi were receiving requests across email, consultants, council teams, and informal channels. Councils and developers struggled to prove what had been sent, when, and to whom.
IwiConnect was built to bring structure, visibility, and accountability to that system without removing iwi authority.
It reduces duplication, protects capacity, and creates audit clarity.
Who is IwiConnect for?
Iwi and hapū use IwiConnect to receive and manage formal engagement within their rohe.
Councils, government agencies, developers, infrastructure providers, planners, and consultants use it to notify iwi and maintain an auditable engagement record.
It is designed for organisational use, not individual consumers.
Is IwiConnect a government platform?
No. IwiConnect is an independent Māori-led platform. It works alongside council and Crown processes but is not owned or controlled by government.
Engagement and compliance
Does IwiConnect replace direct relationships?
No. It supports formal compliance engagement. Hui, site visits, tikanga-based engagement, and relationship building continue directly between parties.
The platform ensures the formal compliance layer is structured and recorded.
Does using IwiConnect mean statutory obligations are met?
No. IwiConnect facilitates notification and creates a defensible record. Councils and developers remain responsible for understanding statutory requirements, monitoring timeframes, and ensuring obligations are met.
It strengthens your compliance evidence. It does not replace your legal duties.
Why would iwi adopt IwiConnect?
Iwi gain:
- A single view of all formal engagement activity
- Full control over portal access
- Time-stamped governance reporting
- Reduced duplication
- Data ownership protections
- No cost access and ongoing support
It supports capacity without interfering in decision-making.
Next step for iwi: Request onboarding information.
Why would businesses, government and councils use IwiConnect?
You gain:
- Clear notification pathways
- Reduced risk of missed engagement
- Time-stamped audit records
- Consistent process across projects
- Improved defensibility at hearings or review
It simplifies compliance and reduces uncertainty.
Next step: Request a tailored demo for your team.
What is an engagement loop?
An engagement loop is one round of formal engagement on a project. It runs from the initial notification to each recognised iwi through to their review and response, and includes one follow-up where an iwi requests further information, along with the compliance report and audit trail once the loop is complete.
Most consenting projects are resolved within a single loop. Where a project moves through more than one statutory stage, for example pre-lodgement engagement, then sharing an assessment of environmental effects, then notification that works are beginning, each stage is a separate loop. This reflects the way iwi triage engagement through the phases of the Resource Management Act, and it keeps pricing aligned to the size and complexity of each project. A small project usually needs one loop. A large project, such as a major development or motorway, will involve several loops across its life.
Getting started
How do we book a demo?
Submit a request through the website and we will arrange a walkthrough specific to your organisation.
The demo covers project submission, iwi notification, reporting dashboards, governance controls, and audit records.
How long does onboarding take?
Iwi onboarding typically takes 1–2 hours including setup and training.
Customer onboarding can be completed within several days once access and billing are confirmed.
Is training included?
Yes. Iwi receive full onboarding and support at no cost. Customer onboarding is included as part of setup.
Enterprise-level onboarding support can be arranged if required.
Pricing and commercial
How does pricing work?
Customers pre-purchase engagement tokens. Tokens are deducted when formal notifications are submitted. Each token covers one engagement loop. This creates simple, predictable pricing aligned to engagement volume.
Are tokens refundable?
Tokens are non-refundable except where required by law.
Is custom pricing available for government and councils?
Yes. Government and council clients are subject to specific pricing structures based on organisational size, number of authorised users, and estimated annual engagement volumes.
Custom pricing arrangements are available for councils and government agencies. Any agreed pricing structure or procurement terms are documented in the applicable order form.
For bespoke pricing discussions, please contact IwiConnect directly.
What is Te Pūtea Oranga Iwi?
Five percent of engagement fees received through the platform are allocated to Te Pūtea Oranga Iwi to support iwi-led kaupapa.
This allocation does not increase customer pricing and does not influence engagement outcomes.
Governance and access
Who controls an iwi portal?
Each iwi portal has a formally mandated Owner appointed by the iwi Chair or Chief Executive.
The Owner manages user access, permissions, and workflow settings.
Can multiple users be added?
Yes. Role-based permissions allow organisations to manage multiple users with appropriate access controls.
What happens if staff leave?
Access can be immediately updated or revoked by the Owner or organisational administrator.
Data ownership and retention
Who owns iwi responses?
Iwi and hapū retain ownership of their responses and cultural information.
IwiConnect does not claim ownership of iwi intellectual property.
Can iwi responses be reused across projects?
Only with iwi consent.
Responses are provided for the specific notified project or statutory purpose.
How long is engagement information retained?
Engagement records and audit logs are retained long term to preserve compliance integrity.
This protects both iwi and customers in the event of review, audit, or dispute.
Can data be exported?
Yes. Iwi can request export of engagement records at any time.
Customers can request export of project data within the timeframe set out in the Terms.
Security and enterprise assurance
How secure is the platform?
IwiConnect uses encryption in transit and at rest, secure cloud infrastructure, role-based access controls, and system monitoring.
Reasonable safeguards are in place to protect information.
Do you support Single Sign-On (SSO)?
Enterprise SSO and integration discussions are available for larger organisations and councils.
Do you provide security documentation?
Yes. Security information can be provided to support procurement and risk assessments.
Where is the platform hosted?
The platform is hosted on secure cloud infrastructure with appropriate safeguards consistent with New Zealand privacy requirements.
What happens in the event of a privacy breach?
If a notifiable privacy breach occurs, affected parties will be notified in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
Technical and operations
Can IwiConnect integrate with other systems?
The platform supports standard data exports and can operate alongside existing compliance, planning, and project management systems.
API discussions are available for enterprise clients.
What happens if the platform is unavailable?
Scheduled maintenance or unforeseen outages may occur.
We use reasonable efforts to restore service promptly and preserve engagement records and audit integrity.
Strategic
Why is IwiConnect important now?
Engagement volumes are increasing. Regulatory scrutiny is rising. Expectations are higher than ever.
IwiConnect provides structure, visibility, and audit clarity at a time when informal systems are under pressure.
It is scalable infrastructure for the future of iwi engagement in Aotearoa.