NZPI backs Minister’s right to submit on Auckland Unitary Plan

The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) is backing Environment Minister Amy Adams’ right to have a say on Auckland’s Unitary Plan through a controversial submission made today.

NZPI Chairman Bryce Julyan says the Minister has a legitimate role, through the Ministry for the Environment, to play in the plan-making process, a role the he says has diminished in recent years. From that perspective the NZPI welcomes the Ministry’s participation in the Auckland Unitary Plan process.

“It is entirely appropriate for the Ministry to undertake a role in the plan process as provided for under the RMA. Indeed, many of our members have been critical of the Ministry’s reduced involvement over the last decade or so in the plan-making process.”
The NZPI believes the Ministry for the Environment has an important role to play and has been an active participant in plan-making in the past.

“The Ministry has a role to properly focus on process and integrity of the plan (and policy where appropriate such as alignment with national policy statements),” says Mr Julyan.

However, Mr Julyan is stopping short of backing the detail of the Minister’s criticism of the plan in her submission.

“The decision not to appear in support of the submission is perhaps disappointing as active involvement in the process (that has been set up specifically for the Auckland Unitary Plan) would be more beneficial in relation to such matters as aligning the objectives and policies to ensure the integrity of the plan.

“In relation any submission that criticises content of the Plan, such statements are generally not helpful unless supporting evidence and sound planning arguments are also provided and relief clearly sought.”

ENDS

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