Government Mulling Plan Change 1 Intervention
The Government is looking at intervening on behalf of Waikato farmers who face new regulations around agricultural land use while Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms are underway.
There were a number of key issues that had long frustrated those of us in the provinces which were finally addressed. The introduction of a replacement for the RMA is probably the highlight and it's fair to say that the key goal of 2026 needs to be getting that passed.
Related to the RMA changes was the pressing need for consent rollover, especially for those caught up in the increasingly expensive process of trying to renew a consent which, in some cases, may not exist under the new system. It was personally very pleasing to speak to the Bill just before the end of the year, having sat around kitchen tables of people who were going through hell. I was glad to play a part in getting a solution for them.
In that same sitting week, we also got through changes to the methane targets. The old targets, as I said in Parliament, had been plucked by the last government from a report which said don't use these numbers as national targets. As well as now having scientifically based targets, we ruled out a price tag being put on a methane which had been a long-standing ACT position. It was good to get our colleagues over the line and opened the door on investigating a split gas Nationally Determined Contribution, another ACT position and a key part of our viewpoint that 'Paris needs to change or we need to leave'. Finally, the ETS backstop was removed for agriculture. In a practical sense, what this means is you can just get on with farming and not worry about methane taxes.
In my portfolios, we got agreement around several preparedness and response initiatives, including signing the Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement with the sector. We know how important protecting our borders is to New Zealand's primary sector and our economy.
I'm looking forward to introducing a total refresh of the Biosecurity Act to Parliament this year to further strengthen our borders. The focus in food safety has been cutting the red tape. I'm focused on introducing legislation to deliver on improvements to the access of new Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines. These are critical to show that New Zealand is an attractive market so that farmers have the tools they need.
A key element for this year with the RMA replacement is settling on a new National Policy Statement on Freshwater. This will provide a lot of the direction and detail needed to provide clarity around how the new system will work.
Read More:
- Consent Rollovers and $13b Savings: What the new RMA bills could mean
- Methane emission target reset
- New freshwater farm plans 'practical and affordable'
The key questions will be how much top down with national bottom lines do we want compared to local flexibility, and does Te Mana o Te Wai stay as a concept in the NPS. From an ACT point of view, we have held a long-standing position that vague spiritual concepts should not be included in regulations. If we want a growing economy and all the social services that come with it, then there needs to be clarity in our regulations. If we are forever running to the courts to looks for definitions then, aside from the lawyers, we are all stuck in neutral.
A lot of the focus this term has been on fixing the mess that was left behind. The next term should really focus on looking ahead.
In the ACT party, we have ideas about the direction the country needs to go in, but I invite rural New Zealand to tell me what you think we need to be focusing on. To fulfill New Zealand's potential to be the best country on the planet, I'm keen to visit as many shearing sheds, milking sheds, packing sheds, and implement sheds throughout the country this year to hear from you directly on what you feel is important.
Andrew Hoggard is an ACT MP and Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety.
