LGNZ supports the Government’s proposal to wind back a number of Resource Management Act changes that excluded public
consultation requirements, a move councils strongly opposed when they were introduced in 2017.
The changes, outlined in a recent cabinet paper, would reduce the complexity of the Act, remove regulation making powers
and override provisions, restore public participation provisions and financial contributions.
“Local government raised a red flag around the RMA changes in 2017, knowing they would threaten the public’s ability to
have a say, create problems for infrastructure providers and hinder councils’ ability to give effect to updated
standards without needing to go through long and cumbersome processes,” says LGNZ President Dave Cull.
Change to the broad regulation-making powers that enabled the Minister for the Environment to override councils has also
been proposed, who will still retain some national direction powers via National Environmental Standards and National
Policy Statements.
“Local government supports a collaborative approach with the Ministry for the Environment, through clear communication
and engagement. The 2017 changes were a ham-fisted way to try and achieve this, and we’re pleased to see that the
government has faith in a more effective process.”
“LGNZ will be working with the government on this reform package to ensure they can be easily implemented. We are also
keen to work on the signalled changes to the role of the EPA in enforcement activities, as we are not convinced they are
the best way to achieve the outcomes sought.”
*Ends*