National Direction In Support Of Growth
BusinessNZ welcomes the Government's proposed consultation on national direction under the Resource Management Act, as a step towards a better planning system.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the proposed updates in direction on infrastructure, renewable energy, housing, mining, and primary sector development, recognise New Zealand's need both to grow the economy and protect the environment.
"This is the most comprehensive overhaul of national direction we've seen, and it reflects many of the changes BusinessNZ has advocated for. We're encouraged by moves to simplify consenting for energy, housing and farming, and to replace overly complex freshwater rules that have frustrated producers without delivering better environmental outcomes," Mrs Rich said.
BusinessNZ supports the intention of transitioning these changes into a new RMA framework based on clearer property rights and long-term certainty to encourage investment and growth.
"We look forward to engaging constructively during consultation to help ensure the final package delivers on its promise to reduce red tape, restore balance, and support economic recovery," Katherine Rich said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Scoop
Job Funding Cuts Hit Isolated Communities
Isolated North Canterbury communities look set to be the big losers in the Government's bid to get young people off the benefit. The Kaikōura and Hurunui Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programmes are likely to face cuts due to a change in funding criteria. While the new contract has yet to be signed, the Kaikōura MTFJ programme has been advised its funding will be cut from $260,000 for 30 placements to $100,000 for 12 placements from July 1. ''They have seen it work, but they kept twisting the scrum. Once they brought the larger areas in it was inevitable this would happen,'' Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said. ''The whole idea of the programme was to help the rural areas. ''I haven't given up hope, but I've definitely lost the excitement.'' He said the success of the programme is stopping young people from going on a benefit. The programme has supported young people with driver licensing, career advice and guidance, interview skills, preparing CVs, work experience and transport, and access to mental health services. With no driver testing available in Kaikōura, the MTFJ programme has spent $22,000 this year supporting young people travel to tests in Blenheim and Rangiora - a three to four hour return trip. The programme is on track to exceed 30 sustainable placements. In contrast to its northern neighbours, the Waimakariri MTFJ programme is set to receive a funding boost. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is basing its funding for the next 12 months, from July 1, on the number of 18 to 24 year olds on a jobseekers' benefit. Previously the programme has focused on supporting school leavers transition into work. The change is in line with the Government's push to get young people off the benefit. The funding cuts come at a time of high youth unemployment, with the latest Stats NZ data showing around 23 percent of 16 to 24 year olds are not in employment, education or training, compared to the overall 5.1% unemployment rate. MSD industry partnerships director Amanda Nicolle said MTFJ is one of a number of MSD funded programmes aimed at getting youth into employment, education or training in smaller regions. ''We provide a range of assistance aimed at getting young people into work because we understand that having sustainable employment can improve people's lives and give them independence.'' The Hurunui District Council was one of the councils which founded the MTFJ programme in 2000. Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the programme's original intent was to support rural communities, where young people have less access to services and training and education opportunities. ''Hurunui MTFJ will continue to support our young people through this programme despite the reduction of contractual capacity for the incoming year. ''The programme is effective in supporting young people, with tailored and inspired support to bridge the gap and avoid a reliance on benefit support.'' The Hurunui MTFJ programme has already exceeded its target of 20 placements, placing 53 young people in jobs. There is no MSD office in the Hurunui district, while the MTFJ programme has worked to bring driver testing into the district to help overcome the isolation. Local Democracy Reporting understands Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon plans to discuss the matter with his colleagues at the Canterbury Mayoral Forum on Friday. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
Transport And Infrastructure Committee Opens Inquiry Into Ports And The Maritime Sector
Parliament's Transport and Infrastructure Committee has formally launched an inquiry into the nation's ports and the maritime sector. The committee is acutely aware that, as an island nation with a trade-dependent economy, efficient and competitive ports and marine industries are essential to sustaining economic growth and prosperity. Andy Foster, chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee said: 'From the first explorers, Polynesian and European, the sea has always been vitally important to New Zealand. We are a trading nation. Our ports are critical to exports and imports alike. Having myself visited most of our ports already, I am very aware of the diversity of our ports. They are of widely differing scale. They have different functions in the national maritime system. They compete and they collaborate. They serve quite different regional economies, and have varying maritime focus, and both unique and shared opportunities and challenges.' 'The committee is aware that the Government is very focused on lifting productivity and economic performance. That is essential to lifting every New Zealanders standard of living. To this end, through this inquiry we will be seeking opportunities to help raise the performance of our ports and maritime sector and therefore help benefit our export producers and importers alike.' The committee has established this Inquiry to examine the current state of play, challenges, and future opportunities within the ports and maritime sectors. This includes key connections to the ports' respective land and maritime hinterland economies, their transport connections and inland ports. The committee intends to meet with key players and interested parties across the sector and to undertake site visits as appropriate to further its understanding. Public submissions are also being called from interested individuals and organisations. Public submissions will be open for six weeks and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025. The committee's intention is to follow up on submissions where these will add to our understanding of the sector. terms of reference. Make a submission on the inquiry by 11.59pm on Sunday, 13 July 2025.
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Scoop
Stratford District Council Rates Increase For 2025/26 Stays On Track From Long Term Plan Forecast
Stratford District Council (SDC) has adopted its Annual Plan 2025/26 with an average rates increase of 6.9%. Chief Executive Sven Hanne says, 'After a period of significant project delivery, as well as significant cost increases across most of our operations as a result of record-high inflation, things are now starting to look a bit more settled, and this is apparent in our annual planning for 2025/26.' 'While there are still some unders and overs in the individual budgets, we're pleased to have been able to maintain the overall rates increase for this Annual Plan at 6.9% as originally forecast in year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034,' says Sven. The Long Term Plan 2024-34 adopted a streamlined approach to the delivery of council services, in recognition of the strained economic environment and a significant reduction in external funding available to council. The Annual Plan 2025/26 realises that vision, with the next 12 months focused on maintaining existing infrastructure and continuing to replace assets when they come to the end of their life. 'It's about being realistic and prioritising our core service areas,' says Sven. 'Two notable exceptions from this will be the upgrade of Prospero Place, Stratford's town square, and the extension of Council's residential subdivision,' he says. The Prospero Place project has been a few years in the making and is now in full flight with draft plans being share with the community this month, and work expected to begin before the end of the calendar year. The residential subdvision is a continuation of the previous council subdivision off Pembroke Road with 2025/26 focused on preparing the site for the delivery of infrastructure, such as roading, water and wastewater. Progressing the outcome of the Local Water Done Well reforms will also be a key area of attention for SDC staff and elected members alike. Both options being consulted on in May 2025 will require additional work across the 2025/26 year, with financial investment from the following year, 2026/27. Outside of Local Water Done Well, SDC is awaiting the outcomes of the Resource Management Act and changes to the Building Act. These are likely to have a big influence on the way all councils operate in the regulatory space, setting a new direction for the delivery of consenting and building services. As part of the Annual Plan adoption, minor changes were made to the Fees and Charges Schedule across building services, parking, solid waste, and sale and supply of alcohol. The full Fees & Charges schedule is available here. Mayor Neil Volzke says, 'We have a lot to be proud of here, in the Stratford district, and we want to keep that feeling alive. Elected Members will continue to work hard to maintain a balanced and realistic approach that manages the needs and wants of our community against our financial performance. Finding that sweet spot, that we believe will result in positive outcomes for the whole community, is what democracy is all about.' The Annual Plan 2025/26 will come into effect from 1 July 2025. View the full plan online here: How much rates you pay can depend on a number of things like: The value of your property The services your property receives (water supply, wastewater or solid waste collection) How many dwellings are on the property View our sample rates on page 14 and 15 of the Annual Plan 2025/26.
