Latest news with #RegionalDevelopment
1News
4 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
Sweeping RMA changes for housing, freshwater, infrastructure rules proposed
Sweeping changes to the rules governing councils' oversight of everything from housing — to mining — to agriculture — under the Resource Management Act are being released to the public for feedback. The government has released discussion documents covering 12 national policy statements and similar instruments, with the aim of having 16 new or updated ones by the end of the year — ahead of legislation replacing the RMA next year. The consultation covers three main topics: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater. It is open from May 29 to July 27. The topics cover a wide range of portfolios, the early afternoon announcement fronted by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Energy Minister Simon Watts, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard, and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. (Source: ADVERTISEMENT "The changes we're now proposing to national direction under the existing RMA give effect to a range of coalition commitments, can be done quickly and relatively easily, and will help unclog the growth arteries of the economy," Bishop said. "Next year we'll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. Our new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure and energy projects, as well a protecting the environment." Freshwater The changes would "rebalance Te Mana o te Wai to better reflect the interests of all water users", with councils able to "tailor" monitoring and management to local conditions. Councils would be directed to consider how they could help ensure stable domestic food supply, including providing for crop rotation in regional plans. Crop rotation within catchments could be allowed without a consent. Water storage rules would change aiming to ensure water flows during dry periods, protect against climate-change-caused drought, and reduce the need for extraction from natural rivers and lakes. Wetland regulations would change aiming to protect water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse species. ADVERTISEMENT The definition of "wetland" would be amended, now excluding unintentionally created "induced" wetlands, and allowing farming activities like irrigation, on-farm water storage and fencing considered "unlikely" to have an adverse effect, while constructed wetlands would have a new objective, standards, and consent pathway. Councils would no longer need to map wetlands by 2030, but Source Water Risk Management areas would now need to be mapped "to help safeguard drinking water sources from contamination". The government is also proposing to "simplify" requirements for fish passages to reduce the administrative burden "while still providing appropriate protection". Changes to rules for synthetic fertiliser are also proposed. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. (Source: Primary sector Highly productive land changes would extend the timeframes to 2027/28, see the removal of the "Land Use Capability 3" category and trial the use of "special agricultural areas". ADVERTISEMENT Grazed beef cattle and deer in low intensity farms would no longer need to be kept out of wetlands. In forestry, councils would lose the ability to set harder controls, slash would need to be planned for and — above a certain size — removed, and low-intensity harvesting will be permitted by default if "any relevant forest planning requirement is complied with". Restrictions on mines and quarries in wetlands would be loosened. Aquaculture changes aim to streamline consenting for activities and research, and allow small structures in coastal marine areas with no consent. Infrastructure and development Granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones. Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai facilities. Medium papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities. ADVERTISEMENT Energy changes include new policies on supporting the needs of the electricity network and management of environmental interests, and another new policy on recognising and providing for Māori interests in electricity transmission, and other changes. These would allow more routine work on electricity networks, establish a National Grid Yard and Subdivision Corridor, and scrap consenting for distribution and EV charging infrastructure. A new policy for natural hazards — covering flooding, landslips, coastal erosion, coastal inundation, active faults, liquefaction and tsunami — would cover all environments and zones including coastal environments, directing councils to take a risk-based approach and assess risk based on "likelihood and consequence". A definition of "significant risk" using a risk matrix would be provided, with councils directed to also use the best available information when making decisions. In telecommunications, new poles would be allowed by default in more areas, with restrictions in the road reserve also removed. Renewable energy generation, temporary facilities and connection lines to heritage buildings for telecommunications would no longer need consenting.
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Penny Wong's Pacific tour set to strengthen regional partnership and development
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, left, and Vanuatu Chief Willy Plasua during a visit to Port Vila in December 2022. Photo: Hilaire Bule Australia's Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong is visiting the Pacific this week to strengthen bilateral partnerships, support regional development, and prepare for high-level talks with her New Zealand counterpart Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters. Fresh off Labor's election victory, Wong will visit Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu to focus on improving Australia's relationship with the Pacific region. In Fiji, she will meet with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening their Vuvale Partnership, which was signed in 2019. The agreement prioritises closer cooperation and consultation between the two nations. Wong last visited the Pacific in August 2024 when she attended the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in Suva. She also travelled to Tuvalu May last year, where she announced Australia's investment of almost A$110 million (NZ$120m) in response to immediate priorities. This included A$54m (NZ$54m) for Tuvalu's first undersea telecommunications cable, A$19m (NZ$20m) to extend the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, and A$15m (NZ$16m) for a new National Security Coordination Centre. These commitments were renewed in 2023 in Canberra by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Rabuka. After visiting Fiji, Wong will travel to Tonga to meet with Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke. She is also scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, who is also the Defence Minister. Eke currently chairs the Pacific Islands Forum, a position the Kingdom has not held for almost two decades. Dr 'Aisake Eke. 27 January 2025 Photo: Facebook / PM Press The upcoming Forum Leaders' Meeting is set to take place in the Solomon Islands in September. Wong's final stop on this Pacific trip will be in Vanuatu, where she will meet with Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers. During this visit, she will reaffirm Australia's commitment to enhancing its bilateral relationship through the development of the Nakamal Agreement. This will be the first visit following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December. Australia had previously deployed an immediate response package worth A$2m (NZ$2.1m), which included a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team for urban search and rescue operations. Peters recently completed his own Pacific tour, visiting Tonga, Hawaii, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Later this week, Peters will travel to Adelaide for the six-monthly Australia-New Zealand Foreign Ministers' Consultation with Wong. Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa, middle, with the foreign ministers of Australia, Penny Wong, second left, and Winston Peters, second right, in Suva for the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. 9 august 2024 Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Australia has recently launched the world's first UN Police Peacekeeping Training course designed specifically for the Pacific region. The five-week program, run by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), is taking place at the state-of-the-art Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane. Described by the AFP as "a landmark step," the initiative was developed in partnership with the United Nations and brings together 100 police officers for specialist training. Participating countries include Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Nauru. -This article was first published by PMN .
CairoScene
19-05-2025
- CairoScene
Egypt Repatriates 20 Smuggled Artefacts From Australia
The artefacts are now in the custody of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. May 19, 2025 Egypt has repatriated 20 artefacts that were smuggled abroad and located in Australia, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced. The pieces were returned to Egypt following coordination between the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra and Australia's Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The artefacts, described as possessing significant historical and archaeological value, include items dating back to various periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Their recovery was facilitated by legal procedures undertaken by both nations after the items were intercepted in Australia, where authorities flagged their undocumented origins. This development falls within the broader framework of Egypt's national campaign to recover stolen and illegally exported antiquities through diplomatic, legal, and intergovernmental cooperation. The Ministry did not release details regarding the specific provenance or the smuggling network involved in this case, though officials reiterated their continued commitment to pursuing the return of Egyptian cultural property from around the world. The artefacts are now in the custody of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and are expected to undergo examination and restoration before being displayed.
The Star
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid pays courtesy call on Penang Governor
GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, during his official visit to the state. The Rural and Regional Development Minister, who also attended a dinner with the Penang Governor, noted with earnest attention the ideas and views that Ramli shared, describing them as highly inspirational and reflective of a strong concern for people's welfare and unity. "I hope Tun Ramli continues to be blessed with good health as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang. May his leadership bring prosperity and harmony to the people of Penang," he said in a Facebook post on Monday night (May 12). Earlier, Ahmad Zahid attended the proclamation ceremony for Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kepala Batas, previously known as MRSM Kepala Batas and the launching of the Penang Halal Industry Development Council in Seberang Jaya. On May 1, Ramli, 84, was sworn in as the ninth Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang in a full ceremonial event at Dewan Sri Pinang, taking over from Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak. – Bernama
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak to form special committee to oversee regional development agencies
MIRI, May 7 — A special committee will be set up to coordinate and report on the progress and challenges faced by all agencies under the Regional Development Agency (RDA), says Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. The Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission-DBKU and Islamic Affairs) said this committee would be chaired by him, and would oversee all nine agencies under the RDA. The nine are the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Mid-Rajang Regional Development Agency (Mirrda), Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda), Rajang Delta Development Agency (Radda), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada), Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (Irsda), and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA). 'The RDA was established to accelerate the development pace in their respective regions through the approval of projects without going through federal agencies. 'All project proposals are planned by the respective RDAs and approved by their respective Regional Development Agency Steering Committees,' Dr Abdul Rahman told reporters when met after a visit to the HDA office here yesterday. During the visit, Dr Abdul Rahman said the implementation of all projects under these agencies would be handled by departments such as the Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Department of Agriculture, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), the local authorities, statutory bodies, as well as Resident and district offices. In this regard, he called for strong cooperation from all agencies under the RDA to ensure that approved and planned projects would be implemented smoothly. 'They must also work together with the implementing agencies as well as the monitoring agencies to ensure timely completion.' Dr Abdul Rahman also reminded contractors who had received letters of appointment (LOAs) to kick off their works within 30 days from the date of issuance. 'Agencies must ensure that this directive is strictly followed to prevent delays in project delivery,' he said. Among those present were HDA regional director Juan Ubit, State Implementation and Monitoring Unit director Sapiah Daud, Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director Florida Gala James Mijien, HDA Construction Management (Regional Agencies) manager Edward Mathew, and HDA Socio-Economic Planning and Investment Development head Fadzil Asri. — The Borneo Post
