Media Release

15 April 2004

An Opportunity For The Next Decade

New Zealand First would be extremely disappointed if the Associate Minister for the Environment, David Benson-Pope, does not call for widespread public submissions on any proposed Resource Management Amendment Bill, said local government spokesperson Jim Peters.

“The Resource Management Act is over a decade old and has been the subject of both National Party and Labour Party review,” said Mr Peters.

“The latest amendment bill went to the House in 1999, then was drastically changed by the Labour-Alliance Government in 2001, and was finally passed in 2003.

“An opportunity was lost.

“Jim Anderton’s call for a review of the nation’s infrastructure needs provides an excellent opportunity for the Government to properly review the Resource Management Act and seek submissions from all councils, major interested bodies and citizens about the shape of a new Amendment Act for the next decade.

“Ratepayers and citizens need the opportunity to express their opinions about resource management as it affects them day by day.
“Along with those who favour special treatment for major projects, there must be an opportunity for all to be heard about the environment which affects us all.
“Any national perspective on resource management must begin with a consideration of local and regional perspectives,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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