LGNZ: Great potential in Auckland’s new planning approach

Local Government New Zealand welcomes recognition by the Government that appeals to the Environment Court on policy issues can unnecessarily hamper the speed and effectiveness of council planning.

Environment Minister Amy Adams announced this week that the Government will change the law to provide a streamlined unitary plan process in Auckland with less recourse to the Environment Court under the Resource Management Act. An independent hearing panel will hear submissions to the plan prepared by the Auckland Council and make recommendations to the Auckland Council. Full appeals to the Environment Court will be allowed only in relation to matters on which the Auckland Council rejects a recommendation from the hearing panel.

Fran Wilde, Chair of the Local Government New Zealand Regional Sector, said that this new approach had potential to apply to other councils, who would be watching it closely.

“Although we agree with this change, we would prefer to see elected councilors included on the hearing panel, a provision that has not been made for Auckland. A mix of appropriately RMA-accredited councillors, together with independent commissioners, would ensure the panel had local knowledge of the area and their communities”, she said.

“While LGNZ recognises the pivotal role Auckland plays in New Zealand's economy and the need to provide certainty for developers and communities, this is not just an Auckland issue. Other communities would benefit from a similar model.”

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