Resource management reforms to cut consents and unlock East Coast housing

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick says the reforms will allow the country to grow, innovate, build, develop and plan effectively.

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick says the Government’s reform of New Zealand’s resource management system will make a real difference for communities across the electorate.

Kirkpatrick said the Resource Management changes announced by the Government on Tuesday would be welcomed by people throughout the East Coast electorate.

“I would get more emails and cries for help about resource consent-related issues than anything else,” Kirkpatrick said.

Nationally, the reforms were expected to deliver more than $13.3 billion in savings over 30 years to taxpayers and ratepayers by regulating only what was necessary and restoring the freedom for landowners to develop their land, Kirkpatrick said.

“They will reduce the need for consents by between 15,000 and 22,000 per year and unlock more housing with standardised zoning rules and 30-year regional spatial plans.

“For too long we have been held back by risk-averse councils and a planning framework so open to interpretation that it hamstrung everyone along the way,” Kirkpatrick said.

“We have listened to our farming friends and delivered on that too, backing farmers and growers by removing unnecessary rules, delivering faster and more proportionate plans, and introducing national standards that provide clarity and consistency.”

Kirkpatrick encouraged people to take part in the process.

“I know there is a lot of detail to take in, and people should take some time to engage in the debate, write submissions in support of it where appropriate and highlight concerns if they have them.

“This is a once-in-a-generation change and it will revolutionise how we get on with our business, develop our land and grow the food we are so good at.”