Latest news with #ResourceManagementAct1991
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Councils Consider National Direction Packages From Government
Councils across the country are considering and preparing for a major implementation task, following the Government's release of proposed reforms to national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The proposed changes span 12 existing instruments and introduce four new ones, making this the most wide-ranging reset of national direction since the RMA was enacted. The changes will have significant implications for how land, water, biodiversity and infrastructure are managed. Speaking for the regional councils and unitary authorities of NZ, Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter said national direction drives local planning and consent decisions that are central to our environment and economy. 'Regional and unitary councils recognise the pressures on the current system and like central government, want to help solve the housing shortage, support our world-leading primary producers, enable critical infrastructure delivery, and achieve freshwater aspirations. 'We have a lot to offer to ensure national direction is implemented in an efficient and effective way that achieves good outcomes for all parts of New Zealand, and we warmly welcome Ministers and officials to visit councils and see firsthand the scale, complexity, and success of the work being done across the country,' said Chair Ponter. Having governed through the implementation of four National Policy Statements for Freshwater Management in his time as Chair of Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Doug Leeder emphasised that implementing national direction is a major undertaking that involves work with communities, industry, and mana whenua. 'Councils contend with the challenge also faced by iwi and hapū, industry, and communities that the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management has changed every three years since it has been introduced. 'When policy resets every three years, it imposes significant costs on councils and communities, creates uncertainty for farmers and businesses, and makes it harder to achieve the long-term outcomes we all want. 'We need to work towards something more enduring,' said Chair Leeder. Regional government has worked constructively with successive governments to deliver their national direction, Chair Ponter said they're ready to partner and do so again. 'We have appreciated efforts by Ministers during their review to minimise the cost of implementation to ratepayers. 'We stand ready to provide additional advice on this and other matters from our experience enabling water storage, supporting flexible freshwater farm plans, and collectively delivering more than $48 million each year into catchment and biodiversity restoration on the ground,' said Chair Ponter. Looking ahead, Te Uru Kahika welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively with the Government on the new direction. The Government's National Direction Package consultation is open until 27 July 2025.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
EDS Has Concerns Over Sweeping Review Of National Direction Under The RMA
Press Release – EDS This review is being driven more by political expediency and ad hoc coalition agreements than sound policy logic. The Government today released for consultation an unprecedented package of reforms to national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). This review covers 12 existing instruments and proposes 4 new ones – making it the largest overhaul of national direction in the Act's history. National direction – including national policy statements, environmental standards, planning standards, and section 360 regulations – sits at the core of the RMA. 'These instruments drive local planning and consent decisions across key domains such as freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, the coastal marine area, and more. They are, in effect, the engine-room of the environmental management system and are incredibly important,' said EDS Chief Operating Officer and resource management lawyer Shay Schlaepfer. 'EDS will undertake a detailed and rigorous analysis of the proposals over the coming days. However, serious concerns are already emerging from our preliminary review, including: 1. Undermining Te Mana o te Wai – The proposed rebalancing of the hierarchy of obligations embedded in Te Mana o te Wai would significantly weaken protections by removing the clear requirement to prioritise the health and wellbeing of water bodies over uses. 2. Cattle grazing in wetlands now allowed – Even if the wetland contains threatened species. 3. New provisions weaken environmental bottom lines – The reprioritisation of freshwater objectives is likely to leave gaps, have cumulative adverse effects, allow more pollution and breach FTAs. 4. Mining even more enabled – Easier consenting pathways are proposed in valued environments. 5. Forestry reforms miss the mark – The review of the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry appears to sidestep the fundamental structural and operational failings in those standards in spite of EDS drawing those matters to attention of the Minister. 'The context of the wider reform process raises critical questions of coherence and purpose. This extensive revision is occurring under the framework of the RMA, at the very time the Government is proposing to replace it with two new statutes that will have different enabling provisions for national direction. That suggests this review is being driven more by political expediency and ad hoc coalition agreements than sound policy logic. 'Importantly, any changes made to national direction as a result of this process must comply with the purpose and principles of the RMA, including its purpose of achieving sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Where proposals fall short, legal challenge is likely. 'We will release further commentary, analysis and webinars as our expert team works through the full breadth of the discussion documents. EDS will itself be presenting detailed feedback and will oppose any lowering of necessary environmental protections,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
EDS Has Concerns Over Sweeping Review Of National Direction Under The RMA
The Government today released for consultation an unprecedented package of reforms to national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). This review covers 12 existing instruments and proposes 4 new ones - making it the largest overhaul of national direction in the Act's history. National direction - including national policy statements, environmental standards, planning standards, and section 360 regulations - sits at the core of the RMA. 'These instruments drive local planning and consent decisions across key domains such as freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, the coastal marine area, and more. They are, in effect, the engine-room of the environmental management system and are incredibly important,' said EDS Chief Operating Officer and resource management lawyer Shay Schlaepfer. 'EDS will undertake a detailed and rigorous analysis of the proposals over the coming days. However, serious concerns are already emerging from our preliminary review, including: 1. Undermining Te Mana o te Wai - The proposed rebalancing of the hierarchy of obligations embedded in Te Mana o te Wai would significantly weaken protections by removing the clear requirement to prioritise the health and wellbeing of water bodies over uses. 2. Cattle grazing in wetlands now allowed - Even if the wetland contains threatened species. 3. New provisions weaken environmental bottom lines - The reprioritisation of freshwater objectives is likely to leave gaps, have cumulative adverse effects, allow more pollution and breach FTAs. 4. Mining even more enabled - Easier consenting pathways are proposed in valued environments. 5. Forestry reforms miss the mark - The review of the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry appears to sidestep the fundamental structural and operational failings in those standards in spite of EDS drawing those matters to attention of the Minister. 'The context of the wider reform process raises critical questions of coherence and purpose. This extensive revision is occurring under the framework of the RMA, at the very time the Government is proposing to replace it with two new statutes that will have different enabling provisions for national direction. That suggests this review is being driven more by political expediency and ad hoc coalition agreements than sound policy logic. 'Importantly, any changes made to national direction as a result of this process must comply with the purpose and principles of the RMA, including its purpose of achieving sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Where proposals fall short, legal challenge is likely. 'We will release further commentary, analysis and webinars as our expert team works through the full breadth of the discussion documents. EDS will itself be presenting detailed feedback and will oppose any lowering of necessary environmental protections,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. 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.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Council Responds To Proposed Ō2NL Design Changes
Press Release – Horowhenua District Council Horowhenua District Council acknowledges proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) announced by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi over the weekend. Council recognises that this project significantly affects many residents, landowners, and communities across Horowhenua. 'We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. 'This is not the design our community expected, particularly as it threatens to sever Manakau, a community that fought hard to prevent this very outcome.' 'While NZTA ultimately controls the design, Council is both disappointed and concerned. It is essential that community voices are heard and respected in decisions of this scale and impact.' Among the proposed changes are the removal of the planned Manakau vehicle overbridge and a redesign of the Tararua Road interchange to a roundabout configuration. 'These changes raise fundamental safety and accessibility concerns,' says Mayor Wanden. 'Removing the Manakau overbridge would force residents to make right-hand turns across a high-speed state highway — a situation that was never contemplated in the original design or consent and would be heightened by the tolling decision.' Mayor Wanden has written to the Minister of Transport, Hon Chris Bishop, and to NZTA Chair Simon Bridges, requesting an urgent review and additional funding to ensure the final expressway design delivers the safety, efficiency, and resilience that were promised. 'We've seen other Roads of National Significance receive additional investment to meet community needs. Ō2NL should be treated with the same level of commitment.' Council's Role Under the Resource Management Act (RMA) In addition to its leadership role, Horowhenua District Council is also a responsible planning authority and is bound by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). Chief Executive Monique Davidson says Council takes this statutory role seriously and will ensure the process is followed appropriately and without bias. We are currently awaiting detailed information from NZTA about the nature and scale of the effects of the proposed design changes. Once received, we will assess those changes in accordance with the RMA. 'We want to be clear with our community — when acting as a regulator, Council must base its decisions solely on planning evidence and legal criteria under the RMA,' Davidson said. Public Encouraged to Have Their Say Mayor Wanden is also encouraging residents to engage directly with NZTA and central government decision-makers. 'The nature of some of these changes means that if they are not in the scope of the project when construction starts in spring, then they are very unlikely to come back into the project. If you have concerns, make your voice heard. Write to the Minister, contact NZTA, contact your local MP. This is a moment where community feedback matters'. Council remains firmly committed to advocating for the best possible outcome for Horowhenua and ensuring the community's expectations are clearly represented.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Council Responds To Proposed Ō2NL Design Changes
Horowhenua District Council acknowledges proposed design changes to the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway (Ō2NL) announced by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi over the weekend. Council recognises that this project significantly affects many residents, landowners, and communities across Horowhenua. 'We understand that large infrastructure projects can evolve, but the proposed changes have left many in our community feeling blindsided,' says Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden. 'This is not the design our community expected, particularly as it threatens to sever Manakau, a community that fought hard to prevent this very outcome.' 'While NZTA ultimately controls the design, Council is both disappointed and concerned. It is essential that community voices are heard and respected in decisions of this scale and impact.' Among the proposed changes are the removal of the planned Manakau vehicle overbridge and a redesign of the Tararua Road interchange to a roundabout configuration. 'These changes raise fundamental safety and accessibility concerns,' says Mayor Wanden. 'Removing the Manakau overbridge would force residents to make right-hand turns across a high-speed state highway — a situation that was never contemplated in the original design or consent and would be heightened by the tolling decision.' Mayor Wanden has written to the Minister of Transport, Hon Chris Bishop, and to NZTA Chair Simon Bridges, requesting an urgent review and additional funding to ensure the final expressway design delivers the safety, efficiency, and resilience that were promised. 'We've seen other Roads of National Significance receive additional investment to meet community needs. Ō2NL should be treated with the same level of commitment.' Council's Role Under the Resource Management Act (RMA) In addition to its leadership role, Horowhenua District Council is also a responsible planning authority and is bound by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). Chief Executive Monique Davidson says Council takes this statutory role seriously and will ensure the process is followed appropriately and without bias. We are currently awaiting detailed information from NZTA about the nature and scale of the effects of the proposed design changes. Once received, we will assess those changes in accordance with the RMA. 'We want to be clear with our community — when acting as a regulator, Council must base its decisions solely on planning evidence and legal criteria under the RMA,' Davidson said. Public Encouraged to Have Their Say Mayor Wanden is also encouraging residents to engage directly with NZTA and central government decision-makers. 'The nature of some of these changes means that if they are not in the scope of the project when construction starts in spring, then they are very unlikely to come back into the project. If you have concerns, make your voice heard. Write to the Minister, contact NZTA, contact your local MP. This is a moment where community feedback matters'. Council remains firmly committed to advocating for the best possible outcome for Horowhenua and ensuring the community's expectations are clearly represented.
