Land protection comes first

PRIORITY: Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said his party will always put kaitiakitanga of the country's resources ahead of commercial development. PHOTO/FILE

The Maori Party will always prioritise kaitiakitanga/guardianship of the country's natural resources ahead of commercial development, party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says.

"We know there is considerable pressure and need for this Government to address the housing shortage, particularly in Auckland," the Waiariki MP said.

"However, one intent of the Resource Management Act (RMA) is to protect our environment for generations to come and this must remain paramount."

The Maori Party and United Future rejected proposed changes to the RMA last year which would have tipped the balance too far in favour of economic development over environmental protection.

"We're supportive of streamlining the consents process but not at the expense of giving proper consideration to the environmental impacts of development or reducing opportunities for public participation in decision-making processes," Mr Flavell said.

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said local councils also have "a vital role to play in making this process cheaper and easier.

"Any reform of the RMA shouldn't be regarded as a magic bullet to fix this country's housing problems."

Mr Flavell said any proposed changes to the RMA needs a broad consensus of the Government's support parties.

"Any reform of such an important piece of legislation shouldn't be passed with a majority of one.

"We've had some general discussions with Minister of Conservation Nick Smith's office about the proposed direction of the reforms and we look forward to considering the details."