Gore Mayor Supports Resource Management Act Reforms

Proposed reforms to New Zealand’s Resource Management Act (RMA) have garnered support from local officials, including Gore District Mayor Ben Bell. Announced by Chris Bishop, the RMA Reform Minister, the changes aim to replace the existing RMA with two new laws focused on land-use planning and natural resource management. This initiative also includes the introduction of Regional Combined Plans (RCPs), which will consolidate over 100 existing regional and district plans into just 17 streamlined regional frameworks.

The reforms are designed to simplify the consenting process, thereby reducing planning times for businesses and property owners. According to Minister Chris Bishop, these changes are expected to have a significant economic impact, with a forecasted savings of $13.3 billion over a 30-year period, translating to a projected increase in GDP of 0.56% per annum.

Mayor Bell’s Perspective on RMA Changes

Mayor Ben Bell expressed his overall support for the proposed changes, stating that simplifying the RMA is a positive development. He noted, “I think the simplifying of the RMA is essentially a good step.” However, he raised concerns regarding the transition to RCPs, emphasizing that it would require substantial resources and funding from local ratepayers.

Bell acknowledged the potential for unintended consequences, particularly regarding property rights. He stated, “There will obviously be unintended consequences around a preference to property rights, but overall I think simplifying the system is a good thing.” This sentiment reflects the balancing act local governments must navigate as they implement these reforms.

During his re-election campaign, Bell focused on stimulating economic growth in the Gore District by attracting new businesses. He believes the RMA reforms will provide greater certainty for industries concerning legislative requirements and consenting processes. “For us, the biggest impact will be the district plan,” he explained. “We’ve already developed it with the changes in mind, so it will free up a lot of industrial and development lands.”

Potential Implications of Regulatory Changes

The reforms also introduce a concept of “regulatory relief,” allowing property owners to seek compensation from local councils if regulations infringe on their property rights. While Bell recognized the merits of this provision, he questioned its fairness: “If people bought a property and were looking to do it up but found themselves unable to do so because of its heritage status, there was an argument for compensation. On the other hand, is it fair for the district to pay for somebody’s decision to buy a building?”

Despite his concerns, Bell remains optimistic about the future impact of these reforms on the Gore District. He believes the changes will not disrupt the local community significantly and will contribute to a streamlined planning process. “We embrace the changes. I don’t think it’ll have a large impact locally. It’s good in terms of streamlining,” he remarked.

As the Gore District prepares for these changes, the local government aims to leverage the reforms for economic growth and improved property rights, setting the stage for a more efficient planning landscape in New Zealand.