MEDIA RELEASE

Government Rightly Targets Auckland Council's Mana Whenua Madness

WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ratepayer group Democracy Action is welcoming Nick Smith’s signalling that the Mana Whenua provisions in Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan are a step too far and an example of RMA madness.

Democracy Action Chairman, Lee Short, says:

“Our group has been highlighting the madness of requiring expensive ‘cultural impact assessments’ and resource consent conditions based on Maori spirituality and cultural preferences. Sir Bob Jones’ high profile example illustrates it, but many Aucklander’s don’t know that the Mana Whenua provisions affect approximately 18,000 properties."

“Dr Smith needs to ensure that councils applying the Resource Management Act follow the constitutional maxim of a secular state. The Act should be protecting historical significance and the environment, not unsubstantiated claims that affect personal property rights"

ENDS

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