Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
EDS seeks moderation in RMA reforms
EDS seeks moderation in RMA reforms
EDS notes that the Minister for the Environment, Hon Dr Nick Smith, is to set out his evolving thinking on the vexed issue of RMA reforms in a speech this evening to the Nelson Rotary Club.
“We look forward to hearing the Minister’s latest thoughts,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.
“I hope that the new Minister will adopt the moderate approach to reform signalled earlier by the Prime Minister. The RMA is a crucially important tool for protecting New Zealand’s environment and needs strengthening rather than weakening.
“In particular, it’s vitally important to at least maintain the protections for outstanding landscapes, the coast and our biodiversity. That means that sections 6 and 7 of the Act should not be substantially modified as proposed in the original discussion paper. It would not be acceptable for Government to seek to lower environmental standards as originally proposed.
“We accept however that there are a number of process amendments that could improve the operation of the Act and reduce compliance costs and the time taken in plan-making. Common templates, simpler plans, more clarity and faster processes are all sensible changes.
“We also look forward to the amendments proposed by the Land and Water Forum to plan-making for freshwater. Introducing a collaborative approach should assist with getting community buy-in to freshwater limit-setting.
“There is also a case for changes to prioritise affordable housing. We fully expect that the approach set out in the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act 2013 will be transferred to the RMA and become a permanent part of the planning set-up. Other changes will include reference to natural hazards, important given anticipated impacts of rising sea levels.
“Overall we maintain some confidence that the Minister is on the right track and has hit the refresh button on RMA reform. We hope and expect that a broad consensus may emerge amongst political parties so the expected Bill ultimately has cross-party support,” Mr Taylor concluded.
ENDS
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
People Against Prisons Aotearoa: 'Expect Resistance' - Community Group Pushes Back Against More Cops With Guns
Greenpeace: New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
