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Timber mill rejection highlights RMA reforms need
Hon Dr Nick Smith
National Party Environment
Spokesman
21 July 2005
Timber mill rejection
highlights need for RMA reforms
It is little wonder that 21 new sawmills are under construction in Australia and none are in New Zealand, when proposals like that of Blue Mountain Lumber at Whangapoua are rejected, says National's Environment spokesman, Nick Smith.
"This decision just highlights the serious problems with the Resource Management Act," says Dr Smith.
"It sends an awful signal to companies like Earnslaw One that they should not bother wasting their money trying to invest in jobs and added value processing in New Zealand.
"The Treaty reasons cited for rejecting this mill show just how difficult it is for a company to consult and get all iwi to agree.
"The decision also highlights how Labour's new legal aid fund for resource management objectors is stopping investment and new jobs.
"Reform of the Resource Management Act is one of National's top priorities. We will be announcing details of our significant reforms shortly. Change is essential if New Zealand is going to build the infrastructure and industry for a growing economy," says Dr Smith.
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