Tardy consent processing proves need for reform

June 11 2009

Media Release

Tardy council consent processing proves need for reform

A new report showing only four of the country's 84 councils are fully complying with the law by processing resource consents on time proves the case for reforming the system.

Failings revealed in the latest two yearly report on how local authorities administer the Resource Management Act (RMA) shows why proposed RMA changes, to compensate applicants for delays caused by councils, are essential.

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says it is well past time for councils to improve consent processing.

The position in the Auckland area, where the country's largest local authority, Auckland City Council, was processing only 45% of consent applications on time (down from a poor 52% the 2005/2006 period) and slipping from 52nd place to 78th was unacceptable.

Manukau City was worse, processing only 35% of consents on time (ranking 82nd), North Shore 67% (63rd). Auckland Regional Council at 87% (28th) has slipped from a very good performance of 98% in the previous period. Rodney District Council achieved 84% on time (29th).

When the Wellington Regional Council and Hamilton City can achieve 99% on time processing, and four councils 100%, it is clearly possible to comply with the law's 20-day processing requirement, Business Council Chief Executive Peter Neilson says.

"We know some consent applications are deficient when filed. In some areas, like water consenting, the policy issues can be complex, but the overall picture shows something needs to be done," Mr Neilson says.

"The Business Council has been pressing for improved consenting performance for years. The delays come at a huge cost to communities, businesses, jobs and the economy. That's totally unnecessary. For business, time is money and unnecessary delay puts costs up for everyone."

The tardy performance proved the case for proposed RMA law changes, now before a select committee, which would make local authorities set up a complaints process and discount consent processing fees and charges when failure to lawfully process on time is the council's fault. All councils will need to develop this policy within 12 months of the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Bill being passed. Hamilton City has had the policy for several years.

"Having only four councils fully comply with the law isn't a fair go for business or the wider public. The proposed RMA process changes will be widely welcomed and deserve business and community support," Mr Neilson says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media