Those thinking of altering a landscape of cultural significance have an ethical obligation to consult with local iwi, a landscape academic says.
Associate professor in landscape architecture at Victoria University Peter Connolly said anyone involved in the process of changing a landmark such as Te Mata Peak had a duty to consider a Maori perspective on the matter.
"I think you're ethically obligated to. If you knew it was a culturally sensitive landscape you should consult local iwi. That seems to be an immediate concern to me."
The professor, who hails from Australia, said it was commonplace in New Zealand for cultural significance to be in the balance of decision making, particularly so with significant landmarks.
"Even on non-nationally significant spaces most landscape architects would take into account Maori issues. There might be an incredibly small project in which they don't but most people would think they would be obligated to consider it.