June 11 2009
Media Release
Tardy council consent processing proves need for reform
A new report showing only four of the country's 84 councils are fully complying with the law by processing resource
consents on time proves the case for reforming the system.
Failings revealed in the latest two yearly report on how local authorities administer the Resource Management Act (RMA)
shows why proposed RMA changes, to compensate applicants for delays caused by councils, are essential.
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says it is well past time for councils to improve consent
processing.
The position in the Auckland area, where the country's largest local authority, Auckland City Council, was processing
only 45% of consent applications on time (down from a poor 52% the 2005/2006 period) and slipping from 52nd place to
78th was unacceptable.
Manukau City was worse, processing only 35% of consents on time (ranking 82nd), North Shore 67% (63rd). Auckland
Regional Council at 87% (28th) has slipped from a very good performance of 98% in the previous period. Rodney District
Council achieved 84% on time (29th).
When the Wellington Regional Council and Hamilton City can achieve 99% on time processing, and four councils 100%, it is
clearly possible to comply with the law's 20-day processing requirement, Business Council Chief Executive Peter Neilson
says.
"We know some consent applications are deficient when filed. In some areas, like water consenting, the policy issues can
be complex, but the overall picture shows something needs to be done," Mr Neilson says.
"The Business Council has been pressing for improved consenting performance for years. The delays come at a huge cost to
communities, businesses, jobs and the economy. That's totally unnecessary. For business, time is money and unnecessary
delay puts costs up for everyone."
The tardy performance proved the case for proposed RMA law changes, now before a select committee, which would make
local authorities set up a complaints process and discount consent processing fees and charges when failure to lawfully
process on time is the council's fault. All councils will need to develop this policy within 12 months of the Resource
Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Bill being passed. Hamilton City has had the policy for several years.
"Having only four councils fully comply with the law isn't a fair go for business or the wider public. The proposed RMA
process changes will be widely welcomed and deserve business and community support," Mr Neilson says.
ENDS