15 September, 2004
Leadership central to comprehensive package of RMA improvements
The Government has announced a comprehensive package of measures designed to improve the working of the Resource
Management Act (RMA).
Associate Environment Minister David Benson-Pope says the most striking feature of the proposed changes is the greater
role for central government to support local decision-making.
Key initiatives include greater central direction and consistency through national policy statements and national
standards, and greater support for local government. Councils, when considering large or complex projects such as
important infrastructure initiatives, will be able to seek additional resources from Government or even ask the
Environment Minister to 'call in' the project, where an independent board may be established to consider the case.
"We are committed to protecting and preserving the unique aspects of New Zealand's natural environment," said Mr
Benson-Pope. "That means striking the right balance between our desire for a clean, healthy environment and our
expectations for growth and opportunity.
"The RMA has always recognised that these important decisions are best made in the communities which might be affected
by any initiative. This package of improvements is about practical solutions and improved processes to make the law work
better.
"By providing leadership and partnership with the community, business and local government we will get better
environmental results."
The package includes: Greater use of national policy statements and national environmental standards to give national
direction and consistency across local government. The development process for policy statements and scope of standards
will be improved.
The Ministry for the Environment taking a stronger leadership role to help local government develop knowledge and
practice.
Strengthening the resource consent hearing process for the 3000 applications that are dealt with each year by
commissioners and councillors, rather than by council staff. This includes: Introducing training and accreditation of
decision-makers Giving the hearing panels powers to inquire into evidence and manage the hearing Ensuring that the
evidence is sufficiently tested to avoid duplication of processes in any appeal Requiring the Environment Court to have
regard to the local consent authority's decision and to focus only on matters in contention, rather than starting the
whole process over again.
Providing the applicant or council with the ability to ask central government to become involved in the very small
number of complex or cross-boundary cases, where local decision-making may not provide the best results: This could
result in national assistance being provided to the council or national representation in the decision-making Central
government may also become involved in consent processes through all-of-government submissions "Call-in" powers for the
Minister of Environment will be enhanced
"This set of measures, together with recent improvements in the Environment Court, will make a real difference," said
Mr Benson-Pope. "Stakeholders and practitioners told us that the RMA was an important environmental safeguard and the
package we are proposing is therefore about creating workable improvements to its operation."
Some of the proposed measures will require legislative amendments. A Bill will be introduced later this year.
"The select committee process will provide a further opportunity for those interested to comment on the proposed
measures and make a submission," said Mr Benson-Pope.
ENDS