22 June 2005

Select Committee support for local decision-making and enhanced local processes welcomed

Local Government New Zealand says the Select Committee Report on the Resource Management and Electricity Legislation Amendment Bill has addressed a number of concerns highlighted in its submission.

“Resource management disputes are complex and at times, difficult as they are based on people valuing our environment differently. Such disputes cannot be resolved simply through amending the Resource Management Act alone” says David Walter, Local Government New Zealand’s Environment Spokesperson.

“The Select Committee Report supports our focus on local decision-making around council and Environmental Court hearing processes and decisions.

“The report also endorses our recommendation for the accreditation of Resource Management Act decision-makers and recommends additional funding to support capacity raising within local authorities. This will improve the ability of councils to carry out their functions under the Act,” says Mr Walter.

“On balance, a great deal has been achieved in an exemplary collaborative exercise and we will continue to work through that process. Local government has been positive about the need for changes to the Act, we look forward to the Bill being enacted and will go about making the Bill work for all New Zealanders.”

ENDS

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