LEGISLATION
New Zealand Resource Management Act - The purpose of this Act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Within this Act sustainable "management" means managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources in a way or at the rate which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing and for their health and safety while:

(a) sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources to meet the forseeable needs of future generations, and

(b) safeguarding the life supporting capacity of air, water, soil and ecosystems, and

(c) avoiding, remedying and mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment.

The Act recognises matters of natural importance like the preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers, the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes, indigenous vegetation and significant habitats for indigenous fauna as well as the maintenance of public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes and rivers. It recognises the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions and their ancestral lands, water and sites.

One of the main differences between the Resource Management Act (RMA) and previous resource management/ planning legislation in New Zealand is that, under the RMA, decision making focuses on environmental effects or "intended outcomes", rather than on the regulation of activities themselves.

In practice, the costs of participating in processes under the RMA, especially for individuals and community groups can be prohibitively high. A lack of knowledge, commitment and/or resources within some local authorities has meant little real change in the way resource management functions are carried out in some districts.

Max Lindegger