The Canterbury Mayoral Forum supports the government’s intent to improve resource management system, but has significant concerns about the scale, pace, and design of the proposed reforms.
In its submission on the Government’s proposed Planning and Natural Environment Bills which will replace the Resource Management Act (1991), The Forum supports reform but believes the Bills require changes to ensure they deliver durable, community-centred, climate-responsive outcomes and uphold Treaty partnerships.
The Forum agrees the Resource Management Act is not fit for purpose and supports the need for reform, however, it says timelines for spatial planning and transition to the new system are unrealistic and risk rushed, low quality decisions.
Mayoral Forum Submission – Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill (995KB PDF)
Key points of the submission
- The Forum supports transition into the new system, and advocates for national direction to be stable and responsive to different regional and urban contexts.
- Concurrent reforms across local government, emergency management, rates, and water create complexity and amplify transition risks.
- Adequate resourcing will be essential for the local government sector to successfully transition to the new system.
- Local and central government need to work collaboratively in partnership, and note the critical role each plays in providing safe, healthy, and productive environments.
- The proposed new system dilutes the role of elected members as advocates and decision-makers for their communities and results in a loss of community voice.
- There is concern about the Bills’ exclusion of consideration for the principles of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, broader cultural landscapes, ancestral relationships, kaitiakitanga, tikanga principles, and customary rights.
- The Forum urges central government to co fund transition costs, particularly given rate capping proposals and rising infrastructure and service delivery costs.
- The Forum noted that climate change is not explicitly included in the goals of the Bills.
The Mayoral Forum wishes to be heard in support of its submission.
