Extend Building Code Changes to RMA

25 March 2008

Extend Building Code Changes to RMA

Federated Farmers says it’s pleased to see the government making it easier for people to build and renovate homes by simplifying the building regulations. It says some of these changes may also help farmers by reducing compliance costs.

But the Federation’s spokesperson on environmental issues, Bruce McNab says the government should go a stage further and apply the same criteria to the Resource Management Act. He says the compliance costs relating to the RMA cost farmers more than $80 million dollars a year and consents are required for some very minor activities.

“Our members are constantly telling us about unnecessary delays to gain consents which cost farmers both time and money. A more consistent and common sense approach is needed in the administration of the Act. It is not uncommon for the consent to cost more than the actual work”, says Mr McNab.

Mr McNab says the growth in the New Zealand bureaucracy at both local and central government level has led to a corresponding growth in compliance costs and the net benefit to the environment is at times marginal at best.

ENDS

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