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RMA changes must protect the environment
26 November 2015
RMA changes must protect the environment
A Government bill to reform the RMA must not be used as a chance to tinker with its key role of protecting the environment, says Labour’s Environmental spokesperson Megan Woods.
“We will have to look at the proposed changes carefully as there are 200 pages in this Bill. We will be watching to make sure there is a decent chance for people to have their say through the select committee stage over what will clearly be a complex piece of legislation.
“The RMA is New Zealand’s core environmental protection and those protections must remain. That is our bottom line.
“Our offer to work together on sensible reforms is still on the table. This offer stands.
“We will be concerned at any changes around appeals to the Environment Court or any undermining of case law around the environment.
“We will be looking to see if the Bill elevates private property rights above wider community interests.
“This new Bill must meet these environmental bottom lines. We will be looking carefully at the Government’s intentions,” says Megan Woods.
ends
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