MEDIA STATEMENT

Embargoed until Wednesday 21 January 2015 0600am

Resource Management Act’s primary purpose must be to protect our environment

The Māori Party will always prioritise kaitiakitanga/guardianship of this country’s natural resources ahead of commercial development.

“We know there is considerable pressure and need for this Government to address the housing shortage, particularly in Auckland. However, one intent of the RMA, is to protect our environment for generations to come and this must remain paramount,” says Māori Party Co-leader Hon Te Ururoa Flavell.

The Māori Party and United Future rejected proposed changes to the RMA last year which would have tipped the balance too far in favour of economic development over environmental protection.

“We’re supportive of streamlining the consents process but not at the expense of giving proper consideration to the environmental impacts of development or reducing opportunities for public participation in decision-making processes. We were particularly opposed to proposed changes last year to sections six and seven of the Act.

“Local councils also have a vital role to play in making this process cheaper and easier. Any reform of the RMA shouldn’t be regarded as a magic bullet to fix this country’s housing problems,” says Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox.

The Māori Party says any proposed changes to the RMA needs a broad consensus of the Government’s support parties.

“Any reform of such an important piece of legislation shouldn’t be passed with a majority of one. We’ve had some general discussions with Minister Smith’s office about the proposed direction of the reforms and we look forward to considering the details,” says Mr Flavell.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media