NZPI supports the introduction of two new bills to replace the RMA. Almost everyone agrees the scorecard for the RMA, after 30 years, is not great and needs to change.

Today was our first opportunity to see what’s in the Bills. We’re pleased to see some things that align with our ongoing work with Minsters and officials to ensure the system is developed with implementation in mind.

“There are plenty of positives in the new system, with a refocus on the value planners bring to society” says NZPI Board Chair Andrea Harris. “We’ve been advocating for strategic spatial planning, which considers the long-term needs of society and coordinates the provision of infrastructure and growth within constraints”.

While the planning profession is ready for change, we stress the importance of getting the settings right from the start. This new system puts a considerable load on the national level, with the Ministry for the Environment tasked with developing the land use provisions for all zones across New Zealand. They also need to set environmental health limits and the methodologies for regions to set natural resource limits.

NZPI is ready to support MfE with this significant task. The success of the new system depends on it.

“We’re really encouraged by the digital transformation that’s proposed. Digital technology has such potential to make the system more efficient and cheaper” says Andrea. “A centrally led digital transformation will change planning practice for the better, making the system more open and accessible for landowners, asset managers, farmers, commercial operators and all other users of the system”.

Three areas we’ll look at more closely include the narrowing of the scope of the system, the regulatory relief scheme, and the way the Treaty of Waitangi is addressed in the legislation.

We agree that the system should get back to basics and focus on what’s important.

The requirement for councils to provide compensation to landowners for rules that protect important values is a big change in the system.

We’re concerned the legislation may be narrowing how Māori are involved in the system.

“The timeframes for transition to the new system are ambitious. There’s a fine balance between moving to the new system quickly and making sure the new system and all the people within it are ready” says NZPI CEO David Curtis. “The results the Government is seeking will only eventuate if all actors involved in the management of environmental effects and the growth of our economy consciously make changes to their approach to resource management”.

We’ll dive into the detail and offer constructive feedback for the select committee to consider as we push for an enduring and workable system. There has been a lot of change over the last few years – it’s time to bring certainty into the system.

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