Recent panel event on the implications of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill.

10 Apr

The RMLA Wellington Committee recently held a panel event on the implications of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill. The Committee is grateful to panellists Lindsay Daysh, Stewart McKenzie and Matt Conway whose deep expertise in resource management planning, consenting, and policy development provided for an informative presentation and thoughtful discussion.

The main takeaways were that there are some really useful amendments proposed to the RMA, such as:

the increase in penalties for better deterrence;
increased ability for councils to cost recover for compliance, monitoring and enforcement;
immediate legal effect of natural hazards provisions is helpful, as are the s 106A changes (considering natural hazard effects in land use change);
the changes to designation processes to provide extended lapse timeframes, a revised assessment of alternatives test and removing the reasonable necessity test for requiring authorities who have sufficient interest in land.

However, it was also felt the Bill overall is a bit disjointed and appears to be a collection of disparate changes to fill gaps and make interim steps towards the Government’s longer term RM reforms. As a result, it is unclear if it will coherently work together. Particularly the changes to s 100 (removal of hearings) may have the opposite intended effect, as hearings can enable efficiency and better substantive outcomes, as well as ensuring that people have a right of public participation.

The feeling in the room at the event was positive, people were very engaged with the speakers and asked thoughtful questions. Some people expressed disappointment about the constant changing of the RMA, and the uncertainty that has for users given some changes have a lengthy implementation period. The event was a great reflection of the spirit of the Wellington members, with a member stepping in for a panellist last minute. The panellists provided different views across the operation of the RMA and their honest commentary provided excellent insights.

There was general consensus that it would be great to have a future event discussing changes to national direction, and phase 3 of the reforms and that it would be ideal to have such an event before the submission period closes.

This was a great start to set this up for a year ahead which will bring further RMA reform. Keep an eye out for RMLA Wellington’s next events (which will be recorded where possible) to continue these interesting discussions among our RMLA community and generate both social connection and increased knowledge about key areas of RM practice.