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Local Voices Could Be Lost In RMA Reform – Waimakariri Mayor

Local decision-making could be lost under proposed changes to consent rules, the Waimakariri District Council says.

In a submission to the Government’s Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, the council has joined with Environment Canterbury in raising concerns the new legislation would impinge on local decision-making.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the council supported the overall direction of the Bill, but it wants to retain opportunities for local voices to be heard including through public hearings.

The Bill proposes changes to how infrastructure, energy, housing growth, farming, natural hazards and emergencies are managed under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

‘‘The council supports the general intent of the Bill and strongly supports amendments to increase the consequences of non-compliance,’’ Mr Gordon said.

‘‘However, we request central government allows for local voices to continue to be heard via hearings and including local, qualified, elected members on panels.’’

The council expressed concern at the granting Ministerial powers to appoint up to half of the members of a hearings panel, and the power to dispense with a hearing if the panel felt it had ‘‘sufficient information’’.

‘‘Forcing councils to use external commissioners on panels will greatly increase the cost to applicants,’’ Mr Gordon said.

‘‘In the council’s experience, the cost of external commissioners is at least two times greater than an elected member.’’

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Mr Gordon said public hearings have proven invaluable in gaining ‘‘a better understanding of community support or concerns’’ which gave the panel a more ‘‘nuanced view of potential and perceived impacts and benefits’’.

Reducing opportunities for local participation could lead to more appeals and objections, adding to increased costs for ratepayers, he said.

Mr Gordon said the Government’s drawn out process of reform also made if difficult for local government to engage in the process and added to costs.

‘‘The Government should look to share costs with local government for any new features being introduced.’’

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the Bill is before the select committee and all feedback will be considered.

‘‘There is always a balance to be struck between local decision-making and government powers and direction.’’

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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