RMA changes good for investment – Business NZ

Media release
3 February 2009

RMA changes good for investment – Business NZ

Proposed changes to the Resource Management Act are timely given the current economic environment, says Business NZ.

Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly says the key elements of the reform package will be a shot in the arm for investment.

"Current delays and other problems with the Act create a real disincentive for business investment.

"This is apparent at the local level. In many areas of New Zealand the local economy is not as vibrant as it could be because development is delayed or made unnecessarily expensive as a result of RMA processes.

"At the national level, large scale projects - for example power generation plant - are similarly delayed, with knock-on effects on business capability and living standards.

"The changes announced today have been long sought by business. Further changes in the second phase of reform hold a great deal of promise, particularly in areas such as water use and management, aquaculture and infrastructure.

"Business NZ is supportive of the process of reform and will be submitting on behalf of the business community during the select committee process this month."

ENDS

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