Faster, disciplined consent processes demanded

Media statement embargoed to Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Faster, disciplined consent processes demanded
- EMA Election Manifesto

Local government consenting processes are often too slow and unduly bureaucratic, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says in its Election Manifesto 2014 issued today.

“Some local building and resource consenting authorities need a rocket up them,” said Kim Campbell, EMA’s chief executive.

“EMA members keep telling us about constant delays in the issuing of building and other resource consents,” Mr Campbell said.

“Delays are frustrating and discourage the development of jobs.

“We know the legacy of leaky buildings have worried those issuing consents, but the process now can seem more concerned with protecting a local authority than facilitating the development and growth of their region.

“EMA’s Election Manifesto policy calls on the next government to require all local authorities that issue building and resource consents to establish and publish a standard for the total elapsed time between a consent application being submitted and being granted, with unreasonable standards being subject to judicial review.

“In addition, building and resource consent functions should be delivered by a co-located, single point-of-contact in each territory.

EMA believes its Election Manifesto proposes government policies that will encourage business success in New Zealand’s particular economic and cultural climate.

“Our communities should not take brave business owners and operators for granted. They deserve our respect and we can demonstrate this by delivering a supportive policy environment.”

The other five policy areas are:
1. Education and skills
2. Innovation, Research and Development
3. Small Business Growth
4. Superannuation and Business Investment
5. Current Policies Retention

EMA’s Election Manifesto 2014 is here.

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