Environment act needs update, says MP

By KEVIN TAYLOR

New Zealand First has called for a thorough review of the Resource Management Act as the Government prepares to unveil changes to the controversial planning law.

NZ First today issues its policy for changing the RMA.

It says it will axe the reference in the law to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

MP Jim Peters said the principles were too vague to be included in the legislation.

But NZ First supported retaining the list of matters of national importance, including Maori issues such as ancestral lands, waahi tapu and other taonga.

The Government today gives details of changes it will make to the law after a review of the act.

Mr Peters predicted that the review would be "tinkering", and said he did not expect it to provide an efficient planning platform for the next decade.

After 13 years, the act required thorough revision to improve processes and procedures, cut compliance costs and clarify expectations and responsibilities.

NZ First's proposals include improving pre-hearing processes, introducing greater transparency and accountability over payments made by applicants to other parties, and prohibiting new issues being introduced in Environment Court appeals.