MEDIA RELEASE
“Labour’s
commitment to replace the RMA means there is now agreement across the major
parties to reform our most contentious piece of legislation. But it is vital
that this once in a generation opportunity for reform actually enables improved
environmental and development outcomes,” says Hamish Glenn Policy Director at
Infrastructure New Zealand.
“It
is very pleasing to see that, regardless of who wins this month’s election, the
new Government will move forward with replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA).
“The
RMA is the Act which is supposed to both protect the environment and enable
development and use of natural resources, including providing housing and
infrastructure to support growth.
“Yet
almost 30 years following its inception, the RMA, and the two other planning
laws (the Local Government Act 2002 and the Land Transport Management Act 2003)
have, between them, resulted in worsening environmental performance, an
infrastructure deficit and seriously unaffordable homes.
“The
Government should be commended for initiating the Resource Management System
Review chaired by Hon Tony Randerson QC which usefully recommended that the RMA
be replaced.
“However, the Panel’s
proposal is a much more complex statutory framework comprising no less than six
Acts – the existing LGA, LTMA, and Climate Change Adaption Act, plus a new
Natural and Built Environment Act and Strategic Planning Act to replace the
RMA, and a Managed Retreat Climate Change Adaptation Act.“Adding
more legislation to an existing complex mix of laws to be implemented by an
under resourced and fragmented local and central government system potentially
makes matters worse, not better.
“It
is critical that the implementation agencies in central and local government
have the capacity, capability, resources and incentive needed to deliver better
results.
“These
issues sat outside the Panel’s Terms of Reference, but will need to be
considered by the next Government.
“That
Government must be able to lead the planning system with a clearly articulated
vision and set of priorities which are implemented via aligned funding and
empowered governance arrangements,” said Glenn.
ENDS
For further information and
comment contact Hamish Glenn on 021 034 7229