Govt to halt 'pricey, pointless' council planning work ahead of RMA overhaul
Photo:
RNZ / Nick Monro
The government is halting what it says is costly and pointless council planning work ahead of its major shake-up of
resource management laws
.
The responsible minister Chris Bishop says much work now underway will be outdated by the time the new regime takes effect in 2027.
"Rather than let these pricey, pointless planning and policy processes play out, we will be giving councils clarity on where to focus their efforts while they await the new planning system," Bishop said.
The government was requiring councils to stop most plan reviews and changes that have yet to reach the hearing stage.
Some exceptions would apply, including for natural hazard planning and Treaty settlement obligations.
Bishop said the move would save time and money while helping councils prepare for the new system.
More to come ...
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