ACT Rural Spokesman Owen Jennings says a private members Bill he is promoting calls for improved property rights of landowners to be formally recognised under the Resource Management Act.

Mr Jennings’ Bill is one of two ACT members Bills that have been drawn in the latest ballot.

Mr Jennings said the Resource Management Act was the cause of a “great deal of discontent” within rural communities and his Bill was based on a solid ACT foundation policy which recognises the rights of the individual.

“Presently under the RMA landowners are virtually left out of the loop with no consultation process when their property is the subject of a planning procedure.

“My Bill addresses that problem and ensures the property rights of the individual are better recognised in law, Mr Jennings said.

“I will also be seeking to add clauses that clarify the role of consultation with Maori, following Judge Treadwell’s ruling on this matter,” he said.

When making that ruling, the Judge made it clear in his view, that consultation with Maori should be restricted to the plan formulation process, rather than in each individual consent application.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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