Published: 27 October, 2005
Pages: 47

Introduction

The Resource Management Act (RMA) carries with it a fairly hefty reputation of concerns about compliance costs and bureaucracy, unreasonable delays, abuse of the consultation process, and poor environmental outcomes arising from its administration. It has been accused of creating everything from acne to earthquakes.

The Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 came into force on 10 August 2005. It was the result of an intensive review process led by the Associate Minister for the Environment, David Benson-Pope. The amendments involved significant collaboration with local government throughout all stages of the review process. While these changes are not revolutionary, they represent the most fundamental change since 1991 and along with the non-statutory changes to practice provide a package of practical improvements to the operational provisions of the Act.