Editorial: RMA reforms uproar

On December 9 last year the Government introduced the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill (Bills) set to replace the RMA.

The announcement was welcomed with joy and relief in the farming sector.

It came with the promise of a stronger focus on property rights, a tighter scope, fewer resource consents, more standardisation and less litigation – sounding like the reset farmers have been calling for

But with more than 700 pages of legislation to wade through – and a Christmas break in the middle – farmer groups have been very busy getting their heads around what’s really in these bills.

And what they have found is alarming: some big fishhooks which could make the new rules set by regional councils more restrictive.

Federated Farmers, which says its completely on board with the aims of the reform, is now casting doubts on some of the key aspects of the reforms.

Read More:

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• Editorial: So long, RMA
• Consent Rollovers and $13b Savings: What the new RMA bills could mean

The farmer lobby says it’s become clear that what officials have delivered does not always match Cabinet’s intent.

As currently drafted, the new system may be more permissive where environmental limits are comfortably met, but potentially more restrictive where a catchment is at its limit or in breach.

Given councils often set limits that aim to maintain current water quality levels, this could mean most catchments are immediately at or beyond environmental limits from the outset.

Most concerning of all are provisions allowing freshwater rights to be auctioned, tendered, or levied – effectively enabling freshwater to be taxed.

Federated Farmers is alarmed at clauses in the bill that give future ministers sweeping powers to tax water to manage demand.

Expect the farming sector to submit in droves, opposing some of the planned reforms.

The message from farmers to the Government is clear – promising one thing and delivering another is unacceptable to them.