Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Govt plans to restrict public say voice on environment

15 March 2016

Govt plans to restrict the public’s right to have a say on environmental management

The Government is restricting the public’s right to have a say on what happens in their neighbourhoods and on environmentally damaging activities, the Green Party said today.

“Under proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA), council officers will be able to strike out submissions if they don’t meet a high enough threshold. This means that unless people have the time and money to pay for expert evidence, their submission can be ruled out,” said Green Party environment spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

“Under the Resource Legislation Bill, which makes changes to the RMA, values that can’t be quantified, such as mauri, well-being and mana, risk not getting a look in when councils are making up their minds about tree clearing or draining wetlands – activities that have far-reaching, detrimental effects. The changes will ignore the emotional connection people have with the land, and the plants and animals that live on it.

“The Government is making the RMA a developers’ charter by shutting out the wider public, and ensuring that the impacts of development are not on the table when councils make decisions. The Resource Legislation Bill, which makes changes to the RMA, virtually removes council’s ability to notify subdivisions and residential activities for public comment.

“New Zealanders could be left with little say on protecting the plants, animals and places they love and treasure.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Until now, the RMA has never restricted the public’s ability to have a say on councils’ regional and district plans, which set the rules for management of the coast, air, water and land.

“New “streamlined” plan-making processes will mean people who are not directly affected can be prevented from making a submission on plan changes.

“The RMA was created with the purpose of making sure our environment was managed in a way that benefits the social, economic and cultural well-being of communities. This Bill erodes that purpose,” said Ms Sage.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.