Labour’s resource management changes set to treble costs

Problems of costs and delays with the Resource Management Act will get a lot worse under Labour’s proposed changes, with experts saying the cost of applications will at least treble, says National’s Environment Spokesperson Nick Smith.

Minter Ellison partner Karen Price, who specializes in resource management law says the costs for applications are going to at least treble if they proceed.

“This Bill is going to make it harder and more expensive to build the overdue roading and electricity infrastructure that is so essential to the economy. It is also going to make investment decisions for business even more difficult,” says Dr Smith.

“The Bill’s provision to make all notification decisions appealable to the environment court is a dream come true for objectors and a nightmare for homeowners and businesses.

“Labour has ignored the practical advise of practitioners and produced a Bill that is only going to add to the costs and frustrations of business, farmers and homeowners.

“The Bill is being universally condemned even before submissions close this week. Labour should withdraw the Bill and go back to the drawing board,” Dr Smith.

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