Nats want end to spiritual nonsense in RMA

Nats want end to spiritual nonsense in RMA

"The Environment Court fiasco over poltergeist claims by a local iwi relating to a Thames housing project only serves to make a mockery of the Resource Management Act,” says National Environment spokesman Nick Smith.

“And it underlines the need for urgent reform.”

Dr Smith is responding to reports that developer Cornelus Kruithof has been told by the Environment Court to meet with Ngati Maru to discuss the tapu at the building site, based on bizarre claims of house lights going on and off, and water running without explanation.

"There can be no certainty of property rights when the fantasy world of Hollywood starts being given credibility by our courts,” says Dr Smith.

"This example follows previous rulings by the Environment Court over the Tongariro Hydro Scheme about diverted waters adversely affecting Maori self esteem, and motorways and prisons being diverted or held up over taniwha.

“It shows just how politically correct and stupid the Resource Management Act has become and highlights the desperate need for reform.

"Labour is making this problem worse with its foreshore and seabed legislation which promises to give Maori even more leverage in coastal areas.

“National is committed to a thorough cleanup of the Resource Management Act to remove any references to the spiritual world.

“This sort of hocus pocus has no place in the courtroom,” says Dr Smith.

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