“The costs, uncertainty and delays of the current Act are adversely affecting New Zealand jobs, infrastructure, and productivity and causing economic frustrations for homeowners, small businesses and farmers. The reforms we are introducing in phase one will address these significant issues.”
Key elements of the reform package are:
· Removing frivolous, vexatious and anti-competitive objections
· Streamlining processes for projects of national significance
· Creating and Environmental Protection Authority
· Improving plan development and plan change processes
· Improving resource consent processes
· Streamlining decision making
· Improving workability and compliance
· Improving national instruments
What happens next?
· The Bill was introduced into The Parliament in February, and referred to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee for public submission and hearings. Submissions are due by 3 April.
· The Select Committee is to report by 19 June.
· It is expected that the Bill will be enacted by late July.
For more information contact Russell Ibbotson
