RMA proposals may complicate rather than simplify

April 23 2009

"We support the Government’s intention to streamline the Resource Management Act (RMA) but we are concerned that some of the proposed amendments will complicate rather than simplify procedures,” said Dianne Hale, a member of Local Government New Zealand’s National Council and its spokesperson on local government performance and legislation.

“In such a litigious area, you have to get the detail right: some of the changes don’t hit the mark or need more thinking in the phase 2 review.

“Although RMA implementation may not always go smoothly, consent processing statistics reveal that in the overwhelming majority of cases timelines are met and appeals are few.”

Local Government New Zealand appeared before Parliament’s Local Government and Environment Select Committee today (Thursday) to present its submission on the first round of proposed amendments to the RMA.

Among the proposals is a plan to modify the further submissions process and, as an alternative, encourage councils to consult with those who may be affected.

“While we support the intent, encouraging councils to consult with affected parties would see them take on the responsibility of looking after individual interests – and as such would introduce a significant administrative and legal burden that would outweigh any benefit gained from amending further submissions,” explained Mrs Hale.

“These and other proposed changes should be traversed with great care. The consequences may be significant in both environmental and economic terms.”

Mrs Hale added: “This Bill includes many good streamlining initiatives. There is real scope for improvement with more fundamental issues and we look forward to discussions with Government on more substantial changes to come in phase 2 of the review.”

The Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament on submissions relating to the first round of proposed amendments on June 19.

ENDS

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