Wed, 15 Sep 2004

Press Release Libertarianz Environment

RMA Amendments: No Stake. No Property Rights. No Surprises

"As expected, David Benson-Pope's politically-driven package of RMA amendments offers nothing but another smokescreen," says Libertarianz Environment Deregulation Spokesman Peter Cresswell. "What was needed to properly amend the RMA was either the introduction of property rights in Section 5, or a stake through its heart - which essentially amounts to the same thing. Instead, New Zealand's property owners are presented again with pious, posturing mush."

"We have witnessed a series of 'reforms' to the RMA since its introduction over a decade ago," notes Cresswell, "none of them substantial or effective, and all much-trumpeted - as is this present package. None has dealt with the major problem, which is that the RMA steals people's property rights. All of the amendments were intended to make political mileage, in this present case an attempt to neutralise criticism of the RMA in a forthcoming election year. The lesson is that none, to date, has been successful."

Cresswell has some advice for Labour's opposition. "I suggest,' he says, "that rather than reviewing the RMA as you all propose to do, you ensure next year that there is a real point of political difference: throw out your own brand of pious mush; drive a stake through the heart of this act, and then reassert property rights and their protection under common law. Liberate property owners, and free up the army of consultants and bureaucrats to go and get themselves a proper job.

"Sadly, as long as the parliamentary opposition's environment spokesmen include two of the chief cheerleaders for the introduction of the RMA, such decisive and principled action is unlikely to arrive any day soon."

www.libertarianz.org.nz

ENDS

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