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EDS critical of proposed changes to RMA
Media Release: EDS critical of proposed changes
to Resource Management
Act
The government’s
proposals for Resource Management Act reform, outlined in a
discussion paper released this morning, would put too much
power in the hands of Ministers at the expense of
communities, says EDS.
“The changes proposed are deeply troubling and if implemented could lower environmental standards in our country,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
“The paper proposes a radical shift of power to
Ministers. The Environment Court’s role in providing a
check on the lawfulness and quality of plans will be greatly
reduced. At the same time Ministers are given unprecedented
powers to instruct councils on the content of their plans as
well as powers to amend the plans directly.
“The
proposed changes to the key sections 6 and 7 of the Act
introduce new development objectives which are inappropriate
in part of the act dealing with environmental
bottom-lines.
“The changes could encourage unsustainable and environmentally damaging urban sprawl. Developers will be thinking all their Christmases have come at once.
“More positively, the government has rejected its TAG’s proposals to weaken protection of the coast, landscapes and native flora and fauna. However the inclusion of competing economic development matters may dilute that protection.
“The proposal to reduce the number of plans
by blending regional and district plans could work but will
depend on whether there are adequate protections to ensure
the focus on regional natural resource management planning
is retained.
“Other measures such a establishing a
common template for council plans, common definitions,
improving guidance to councils and time limits on processing
resource consents are welcome.
“We agree that RMA processes can be improved but the discussion paper goes too far. Its underlying purpose seems to be to facilitate economic growth at the cost of the environment whilst taking power away from communities.
“It misses the key point: New Zealand’s economy needs to be sustainable, it needs to work for New Zealanders, present and future, and it must safeguard and not harm our unique environment,” Gary Taylor concluded.
EDS’s initial analysis of the discussion paper will be available shortly on our website - eds.org.nz
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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