17 March 2000

Environmental Protection Is Just The Ticket

Damaging Auckland’s environment could soon carry a new penalty – in the form of an instant fine.

Recent amendments to the Resource Management Act have seen the introduction of Environmental Infringement Notices (EIN’s) as an additional tool for enforcing legislation.

The new regulations, which became effective on 1 February, were today endorsed for use in Auckland City by the Council’s Planning & Regulatory Committee.

A committee report described EIN’s as similar to parking infringements in that the associated fine could be issued “on site” and without a court hearing.

Councillor Juliet Yates, Chairperson of the Planning & Regulatory Committee, says that the introduction of EIN’s offers a cost effective alternative for enforcing the Resource Management Act.

“EIN’s are not designed to be used for all offences under the RMA, and in some cases they would not be appropriate. Broadly speaking they will be used for less serious offences such as the pruning of a protected tree or repeated breaches of an excessive noise.

“The new regulations provide Council Officers with an efficient tool of enforcement which offers protection of the environment without the costly and time consuming process of going through the courts”

Only Warranted Council Officers will be permitted to issue EIN’s, after they have attended comprehensive training from Local Government New Zealand.

Officers would be required to provide clear evidence as to the nature of the offence, who committed it, and whether issuing an EIN is the most appropriate course of action.

ENDS

For more information contact

Councillor Juliet Yates

Ph 528 0851

© Scoop Media