Quality decision-making not numbers key to RMA success

13 April 2007

High growth and development in some districts, staff shortages, and heavy workloads are all contributing factors to the amount of time it can take councils to process consents under the Resource Management Act (RMA). As a result it is difficult to compare the survey results released today by Environment Minister David Benson-Pope between councils.

The results of the RMA survey into how councils operate their consent processes show a varied performance by councils in relation to processing timeframes for consents.

Local Government New Zealand’s President, Basil Morrison says “The survey indicates that the majority of councils are performing well. It must be made clear that because this particular survey has found some councils aren’t performing as well as others, it does not mean they’re not using best practice or central government guidance materials.

“Councils are committed to meeting the tight deadlines set by the RMA. There are a number of constraining factors on councils’ ability to process resource consents within the given timeframes. It’s important to remember that this is not just about the number of consents processed but the quality of decisions made.”

“I note the reference to "investigating" poorer performing councils in the Minister’s statement today. We have consistently supported a collaborative approach between the Ministry for the Environment and representative councils, to clarify those underlying factors impacting on performance. To date, this exercise is highlighting matters such as high growth, high workloads, increasing administrative/legislative complexities and critical staff shortages.

“There is always room for improvement and we are pleased that the Minister shares confidence in councils’ performance and is willing to assist in addressing the key underlying factors,” says Mr Morrison.

ENDS

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