Urgent Need for Resource Management Act Overhaul
New Zealand’s farming community is poised for a significant legislative shift with the new Government’s plan to overhaul the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Mark Hooper, a national board member and resource management spokesperson for Federated Farmers, has welcomed the Government’s intention to repeal the existing RMA reforms, which were passed earlier this year but deemed flawed by many in the agricultural sector.
The RMA’s Impact on Farming
The RMA, a key piece of legislation for farmers, affects nearly every aspect of their operations. Recent years have seen a slew of regulations under the RMA that have proven challenging for the farming community.
These include rules on freshwater, which propose drastic reductions in stocking rates, and winter grazing regulations. The designation of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) also falls under the RMA’s purview.
Call for Practical and Fair Reforms
Hooper emphasises the need for a new system that strikes a balance between environmental protection and practicality for farmers. He urges the Government to deliver a reformed regime within the next three years, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Federated Farmers advocates for reforms that will unlock the potential of the country’s productive sectors and rural communities.
Proposed Changes in the RMA
Key changes proposed by Federated Farmers include a clear distinction between rules governing the natural environment and those for the built environment. Hooper criticises the current one-size-fits-all approach, calling for tailored regulations that recognize the unique needs of different areas.
Additionally, there’s a call for a more property-rights-driven approach, suggesting the use of institutions like the Queen Elizabeth II Trust for negotiations over land use, rather than unilateral government classifications.
Decentralizing Responsibility
The proposed reforms also include decentralising environmental protection and building management to regional and local governments. This approach would allow for more nuanced and locally relevant decision-making, giving local communities a greater voice in resource management.
Federated Farmers’ Role in the Reform Process
As New Zealand’s leading independent rural advocacy organisation, Federated Farmers is committed to ensuring that the RMA reform benefits the agricultural sector. The organisation, in partnership with AgriHQ, aims to provide a unified and influential voice for New Zealand farmers in this crucial reform process.
