Wellington Lawyers: Resource Management Act Reform: Key Changes and Impacts on Agri-business

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - July 11, 2024 - PRLog -- The Government has proposed repealing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and replacing it with new legislation aimed at transforming environmental management. These changes are designed to streamline planning processes, reduce costs, and deliver better outcomes for both people and the environment.

Main Legislative Changes

1. The Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA):
   

– This will be the primary law for land use and environmental regulation.

– Focuses on enhancing the quality of natural and built environments while enabling development within specified limits.

– Requires local authorities to produce a single integrated plan for each region, replacing multiple plans under the RMA.

1. The Spatial Planning Act (SPA):
   

– Sets long-term strategic goals and facilitates the integration of legislative functions across sectors like land use, transport, infrastructure, and climate change.

– Mandates central and local government cooperation to develop regional spatial strategies that align with national direction.

Both bills recently had their third readings in Parliament and will soon receive royal assent to become law.

Climate Change Adaptation

A third proposed statute, the Climate Change Adaptation Act (CAA), aims to address complex issues associated with managed retreat, including funding, compensation, land acquisition, liability, and insurance. This bill is progressing more slowly than the NBA and SPA.

Impacts on Agri-business

These reforms will affect agri-businesses in various ways, depending on their type and location. Potential impacts include:

1. Compliance with New Environmental Standards:
   

– Agri-businesses will need to meet the new environmental limits and standards set by the NBA, which may be more stringent than current RMA provisions.

– This could involve adopting more sustainable practices, such as reducing water use, nutrient loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss, while enhancing soil health and ecosystem services.

1. Streamlined Planning and Consenting Processes:
   

– The NBA's streamlined processes will reduce complexity, uncertainty, and delays, allowing agri-businesses to access land and resources more efficiently.

– This will enable better planning for long-term growth and innovation, and reduce compliance costs.

1. Participation in Strategic Planning:
   

– The SPA will offer more opportunities for agri-businesses to participate in strategic planning, influencing land use, infrastructure, transport, and climate change policies.

– This will help identify and address potential conflicts or synergies with other sectors like urban development, tourism, forestry, and energy.

1. Adaptation to Climate Change:
   

– The CAA will require agri-businesses to adapt to climate change effects and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

– Businesses will need to assess their exposure to climate risks, implement adaptation plans, access funding and support, and report on emissions and mitigation efforts.

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect you and your business, please get in contact with us. Our experts are ready to help you navigate these reforms. https://www.corelegal.co.nz