By Mike Vincent, Associate, Baseline Group | Feb 11, 2022
Love it or hate it, the RMA has shaped the development of New Zealand over the past 30 years. From two lot subdivisions to the exponential growth of towns like Rolleston and major infrastructure projects such as “roads of national significance”, the RMA has been the overarching document that has directed local government. But is time up for the RMA?
Among the public and professionals alike, there is a broad view the RMA is not working as originally intended. Thirty years of adjustments reflect a document which is corrupted and no longer bears resemblance to its original form.
Consequently, criticisms have been levelled at the case-by-case litigation of projects, seemingly losing sight of the Act’s main purpose (being the sustainable management of natural and physical resources). In some respects, the management of resources will always be different between Manukau and Leeston, but should they be so different between neighbouring post codes, or even neighbouring streets?
Other criticisms highlight that the RMA is susceptible to personal interpretations of amenity value. This in turn has impeded development in urban settings leading to housing shortages and congested road networks, contributing to poor social or economic outcomes. There is a common view that RMA timeframes are lengthy and frustrate the process of positive development, leading to uncertainty for major (and minor) projects.
Notwithstanding these issues, it is recognised the previous 30 years has seen genuinely important and momentous infrastructure development within New Zealand, and planning professionals can be proud of the advances made. However, with the passage of time brings new interpretations and with it, the opportunity to reinvest the lessons of 30 years of planning experience into new modern legislation.
In 2022 the Government will release three new pieces of environmental legislation: The Proposed Natural and Built Environments Act, Proposed Strategic Planning Act and Proposed Climate Adaptation Act. Whilst these documents are neither the be all and end all of planning legislation, it is hoped that this new approach will allow for clear and consistent direction on achieving the collective purpose of these new Acts.
No matter their application, development projects will still require professionals and those professionals will continue to provide expert advice and give you the answers you need for your development.
Articles you might be interested in
- Minimum Car Parking Requirements to be Chopped
- Crunch Time For New Freshwater Legislation
- The dream of subdividing your land
- Change isn't coming, it's here!
- Is the RMA really the problem?
- Fundamental Culture Shift in New Zealand Planning Legislation.
- But that’s the way we have always done it!
- Game changers for housing under the RMA
- Managing Cultural Heritage Sites
- Commercial Activity in a Rural Zone – What’s the Harm?
- Minimum car parking requirements to be chopped
- The importance of knowing your boundaries
- Planning Rules can Affect Property Value
- Our History - How We All Play a Part in its Protection
- The Role of Planning in the Climate Change - Discussion for Agriculture
- Burning crop stubble on your property?
- Wild Weather and Resource Consent Requirements
- How lizards might affect your new development
- Risks to farmland in the planning framework
- Housing Growth continues in Selwyn with Legislative Support
- Planning Permissions – Resource Consent or Plan Change?
- State highways, noise and reverse sensitivity: what’s the buzz?
- Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes - effect on farming
- Who Pays for Infrastructure in Greenfield Land Development?
- Councils are Increasing Residential Density, but why, who does it benefit?
- Hazardous activities, land contamination and resource consent applications
- Rural Allotment Sizes set to Double
- Proposed Selwyn District Plan Update
- What does a professional planner do?
- Planning land use to be resilient to natural hazards
- Is it a Wetland or Not?
- The impact of consent notices when purchasing land
- RMA changes are coming, are you ready?
- A recent Baseline Group project was recognised at the 2022 Canterbury Architecture Awards
- Good District Plan provisions save time and money
- Boundary disputes – What are they and how can you resolve them?
- Highly Productive Soils – Big Picture Thinking vs Private Landowners Needs
- A Practical Guide for District Plan Reviews
- Why we have complicated septic tank disposal rules
- Who Shapes our Planning Rules?
- Housing Intensification – Not for Everyone Says CCC
- Buildings under exemptions may still need resource consent
- Have your say on Development Projects
- Balancing Common Sense and Legal Process under the RMA: Protecting Communities and the Environment
- Make Your Additional Land Profitable Under the Selwyn Proposed Plan
- What to do when you inherit land
- Indigenous Biodiversity: what does it mean for a farmer?
- Changes to Resource Management Planning Signalled in Proposed Legislation
- Cross lease titles - an overview
- Spotlight on District Plan Provisions
- How might Development Contributions affect you?
- The Great Forestry Debate
- Tiny Home Revolution May Not Save Costs
- District Plan in Selwyn – How will it Affect You?
- Selwyn District Council Changes Urban Allotment Sizes
- Highly Productive Soils – Big Picture Thinking vs Private Landowners Needs
- Rural allotment sizes set to double in West Selwyn
- Negotiating with Neighbours Under the RMA
- Proposed Selwyn District Plan - What next?