RMA Reform Bill Passes

The latest stage in resource management law reform passed into law under Urgency on Tuesday evening.

The Resource Management Reform Bill completed its committee stage and then its third reading debate by 63 to 57 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in support

Environment Minister Amy Adams said the bill was designed to make the RMA more efficient and was the latest in a series of reforms intended to improve outcomes for the environment and make for more speedy decision making.

The bill would also address issues around Auckland’s first unitary plan to ensure it was in place and effective much quicker.

The Government had also introduced further changes to the rules in the committee stage around the protection of trees to allay concerns, she said

Adams said she would shortly be introducing further amendments to the RMA later this year.

Labour’s Marion Street said it was clear the Government had a plan for the environment which was to remove impediments to economic development at the expense of local democracy and the environment.

MPs began the committee stage debate on the Bail Amendment Bill.

Still remaining in the Urgency Motion are the committee stage and third readings of the:

Public Finance (Fiscal Responsibility) Amendment Bill

Patents Bill

Financial Markets Conduct Bill

First readings and the referral to select committee of:

Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 3)

Land Transport and Road User Charges Legislation Amendment Bill

Animal Welfare Amendment Bill

Victims' Orders Against Violent Offenders Bill

Border Processing (Trade Single Window and Duties) Bill

Social Security (Fraud Measures and Debt Recovery) Amendment Bill

Second Reading debate on:

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Bill

Victims of Crime Reform Bill

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