Environmental / Resource Management

Select Committee Reports Back On Resource Management Reform Bill

Created: Wednesday, 19 June 2013 23:25

On 11 June 2013 the Local Government and Environment Committee (Committee) reported back on the omnibus Resource Management Reform Bill (Bill). The Committee recommended, by majority, that the Bill be passed, subject to a number of amendments. The Committee's report can be read here, and our commentary on the Bill when it was first introduced can be viewed here.

The Committee recommends a number of amendments to the Bill that will affect the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 (the Auckland Act). We summarise these recommended amendments below:

Environment Court Practice Direction - Consultation Sought

Created: Tuesday, 07 May 2013 23:30

The mediation process through the Environment Court is a widely used, effective means of dispute resolution. However, issues arise when Council or party representatives do not have full authority. This is particularly problematic when determining whether to settle at the conclusion of a mediation. Invariably this leads to unnecessary delay and added cost.

In response, Judge Newhook has drafted a Practice Direction to further clarify the obligations of parties and their representatives participating in mediation. Consultation is now sought on this practice direction with relevant professions and other interested parties. The draft Practice Direction will be of particular interest to local authorities.

Proposed Overhaul of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

Created: Friday, 12 April 2013 23:42

The Minister for Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson, has released the Consultation Document 'Making pool safety easier - Proposed changes to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987' (Consultation Document) including nine proposals in response to continued frustration from pool owners, councils and water safety groups over the Act's workability. The Consultation Document can be found here.

A Timely Reminder on Council's Duties Relating to Land Information Memorandum

Created: Friday, 12 April 2013 23:38

The Supreme Court decision of Marlborough DC v Altimarloch Joint Venture Ltd acts as a timely reminder to councils of their statutory duty of care to provide accurate information on a Land Information Memorandum (LIM).

Resource Management Reform Discussion Document Released

Created: Tuesday, 05 March 2013 01:34

The Government made its Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) phase two reform intentions clear last Thursday with the release of the long-awaited discussion document entitled "Improving Our Resource Management System" (the Discussion Document) which can be viewed here.

The stimulus for these reforms has been widely discussed and generally focuses on the need to streamline and clarify RMA processes in order to achieve greater economic efficiency and growth.

Resource Management Reform Bill

Created: Friday, 07 December 2012 01:38

On 5 December 2012, the Government introduced the Resource Management Reform Bill; an omnibus Bill with provisions to amend the following statutes:

Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA);
Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 (the Auckland Act); and
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

The Bill is divided into three parts.

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