New Zealand’s biggest overhaul of resource management law in more than three decades has passed Parliament, but Forest & Bird is warning the new system could weaken environmental protection and create years of legal uncertainty.
The Government’s Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third readings on September 22, replacing the framework of the Resource Management Act once Royal Assent and transition arrangements are completed. Existing RMA plans and consents will continue during the transition, with the Government aiming for the new system to be fully operating by 2030.
Forest & Bird says the reforms place too much weight on economic development and weaken safeguards for freshwater, wetlands, coastlines, forests, wildlife and the climate. The organisation has raised particular concerns about ministerial discretion, reduced public participation and how environmental limits will operate.
Acting General Counsel May Downing says the organisation expects greater uncertainty for councils, communities and developers, arguing the new framework could trigger legal disputes over how much environmental harm is acceptable.
The Government strongly disputes that assessment. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says the previous system was expensive, complex and failed to deliver either development or adequate environmental outcomes. The Government says the replacement will introduce clearer national rules, environmental limits and regional planning while reducing more than 100 planning documents to 17 regional combined plans.
The Government also cites analysis estimating $13.3 billion in administrative and compliance savings over 30 years, while maintaining that the Natural Environment framework will protect ecosystems and human health.
With the legislation now through Parliament, attention will turn to how the new rules are implemented — and to an emerging election debate over whether parts of the reforms should survive the next government.
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