RMA Reform: B+LNZ Says Draft Legislation Misses Government’s Intent

In a submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, B+LNZ says the current wording of the legislation does not match the Government's intent.

Kate Acland, chair of B+LNZ, says her organisation supports the Government’s desire to reform the RMA and agrees with its principles and goals for a replacement.

“The existing system is expensive, complex and becoming mired in litigation,” Acland says.

“We welcome the intent to enable primary sector growth and development, reduce the need for consents, make more activities permitted and reduced litigation,” she adds.

However, she says, the legislation is missing the mark, meaning farmers could be worse off.

“The language is more stringent around setting and managing limits and would likely see the need for more consents, not less,” Acland says.

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“There are more onerous requirements on permitted activities.”

Acland says that a lack of appropriate guardrails on the exercise of Ministerial and council powers in several areas combined with a lack of requirement to consider costs and benefits could result in significant economic impacts.

“There are significant issues with the role of, and amount of detail required for, Freshwater Farm Plans, and farmers would also need a consent or permit as well as a Freshwater Farm Plan in many cases. 

“We also do not support the introduction of market-based allocation or levies for resource use, and are concerned that the same farming activity will now fall between two Acts and make the process for farmers more complicated and costly.  

“These are just some of our concerns around the legislation, so we’re pushing hard for changes,” Acland says.  

Acland says B+LNZ does not support the introduction of market-based allocation or levies for resource use.

She says B+LNZ is also calling for other things to be fixed as part of the RMA reform, including current issues surrounding the approach stock drinking water.

“The legislation has simply brought across the existing RMA wording on this, meaning we’ll continue to see increases in stock drinking water being prohibited in plan changes. This needs to be changed to focus on the direct effects of takes that have a more than minor effect or be permitted.” 

Acland says there is strong alignment across the agricultural sector on these issues.

She says B+LNZ will make an oral submission to the Environment Select Committee, and will continue to meet with Ministers and officials.

“Freshwater health is incredibly important to farmers, rural communities and New Zealand. We need to get the framework for managing this right. Changes to the legislation are necessary but I’m confident we can get to an enduring framework that’s practical and achievable.”