Government Set to Reveal Major Overhaul of Resource Management Act

The New Zealand Government is poised to announce significant reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA), a move that has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). Tomorrow, the government will unveil details of the overhaul, which is anticipated to be one of the most substantial reforms of its current term. The government aims to introduce these changes within the year, with plans for the legislation to pass before the 2024 election.

Alan McDonald, the Head of Advocacy at the EMA, expressed optimism about the forthcoming changes during an interview with Ryan Bridge. He highlighted the issues stemming from the existing RMA framework, noting that councils currently interpret the regulations independently. This has resulted in inconsistent planning practices across different regions.

According to McDonald, the previous system failed to adequately protect the environment while also creating confusion and inefficiency in the planning process. He emphasized the need for a more cohesive approach to resource management that aligns environmental protection with development needs.

As the government prepares for the announcement, there are expectations that the reforms will address these inconsistencies and provide clearer guidelines for local councils. The EMA is particularly focused on ensuring that the new legislation balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

The reform of the RMA is expected to be a pivotal topic in the lead-up to the next election, with various stakeholders keenly observing how the government will implement the proposed changes. The EMA hopes that the new framework will foster a more collaborative environment for businesses and local authorities, ultimately leading to better decision-making in resource management.

In summary, the forthcoming announcement represents a critical moment in New Zealand’s approach to resource management, with implications for both the economy and the environment. McDonald’s insights underscore the importance of a unified strategy that addresses the complexities of regional planning while safeguarding natural resources.