DairyNZ today welcomed the Government’s proposed new legislation to reform the Resource Management Act.
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown said reform was needed, but it needed to be done right.
“We are urgently reviewing the proposed Bills to ensure any changes are truly beneficial for farmers,” Brown says.
“With the RMA influencing so much on farm and in our rural communities, farmers need an enduring system that gives them certainty to invest in what comes next.
“Reducing complexity, fewer consents, greater consistency, better use of farm plans, and greater controls on when and how land use can be restricted, are things we strongly support.
“The transitional consenting period for existing consents will need to give farmers some breathing space as the new system is developed. We urge the Government to address this immediately.
“We also have concerns around how environmental limits will be set and the suitability of market-based approaches to allocation and levies for resource use.
“It’s also important to understand how the proposals will fit together with local government reform. Simplification of processes and decision making is a good thing, but decisions around environmental outcomes, planning processes and regulatory compliance also need to be tailored locally.
“This is a significant piece of policy, and we will be going through the detail closely to make sure any changes support the good work farmers are already doing.
“We want to ensure their voices are heard so we will be working closely with farmers and other sector partners before making a submission on the proposed legislation.”
Submissions on the new Planning Bill and The Natural Environment Bill will close early next year.
Media contact
Kahlia McNulty
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 022 854 2451
e: kahlia.mcnulty@dairynz.co.nz
