A statement of the consultative programme undertaken
The preferred option was developed by: the Ministry for the Environment, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Te Puni Kokiri, Department of Conservation, Department of Internal Affairs, and Local Government NZ. Other departments and agencies were involved in working groups or were consulted directly, including: the Ministry of Health, Land Information NZ, Ministry of Justice (including the Environment Court), Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Ministry of Fisheries and Housing NZ Corp.
Five independent people experienced in the RMA were appointed to a reference group to provide a sounding board for the Associate Minister for the Environment. Te Puni Kokiri obtained input from a group of experienced Māori RMA practitioners.
Local Government NZ held three workshops with local authorities on options to improve the RMA. Local government was opposed to establishing an independent review and complaints office in relation to practice under the RMA. This concern was taken into account and the option was refined to clarify, strengthen and better co-ordinate the existing functions of various offices.
Local government has also opposed the empowerment of the Minister for the Environment to direct a local authority to develop a plan. However, given that regional plans are optional, the power to require a plan will address the risk of specific natural resources lacking appropriate management.
Two meetings were held for those in industry with an interest in the RMA review, and one meeting was held with non-governmental organisations to discuss options to improve the RMA. Non-governmental organisations concerned with environmental matters are opposed to any changes to Part II of the RMA, particularly its purpose (section 5). No changes to Part II are proposed. However, it is a principle of the review to better express the national interest.
Last updated: 6 May 2008
