Media Release

3 December 2003

Review Of The Resource Management Act

The introduction of the Resource Management (Waitaki Catchment) Amendment Bill so soon after the introduction of the Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Bill, reflects the present government’s piecemeal and cavalier attitude to resource management, says New Zealand First’s spokesperson on Local Government and Environment, Jim Peters.

“All interested and affected parties need to be given the opportunity to make submissions to Parliament now that the bill has been presented in the House,” said Mr Peters.

“Earlier this year, New Zealand First called for a full review of the Resource Management Act whilst Parliament was debating another earlier amendment to the Act. The government rejected that call.

“Now, the public are confronted by significant changes to the consent process, reduced ability to appeal, and local councils unable to decide applications under the allocation framework,” said Mr Peters.

“Why is the government making further changes to the Resource Management Act for special applicants? All applicants for resource consents, anywhere in New Zealand, should be subject to the same submission and hearing process.

“The protection of the Waitaki River, the only substantial water resource between Christchurch and Dunedin still available for water consents, is paramount.

“Utmost must be the sustainability of the river for present and future generations,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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