Devolution and Development

An interesting research note from Eric Crampton and at the NZ Initiative on the benefits of devolution on development. It details how Canadian First Nations have transformed their economic fortunes and have built thousands of new homes after gaining powers for planning, zoning, tax, and infrastructure finance.

A couple of examples:

The Squamish Nation’s 6,000-apartment development in downtown Vancouver is helping to solve the city’s housing crisis on its own terms.

An hour away from Vancouver, near Chilliwack, the Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten), has built over 1,600 homes. It has reversed its economic position from 90% reliance on government funding to 90% own-source revenue.

Crampton concludes:

The Initiative’s report argues that this incremental, opt-in approach could provide a practical path to realising a form of tino rangatiratanga, through local devolution, while delivering real benefits for all New Zealanders.

This is a form of tino rangatiratanga we should all support – allowing iwi to develop their own rules for their own land.