Resource Management Act (RMA)
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) provides the legal framework for our resource management system – setting out systems and process for decision-making relating to the environment.
The RMA framework includes national (government) level policy as well as, at the local level – Regional and District Plans. Regional and District Plans determine whether an activity requires resource consent.
- Central Government administers the RMA, provides national direction (through NPS and NES) and respond to national priorities. Making decisions under the RMA is usually the responsibility of local authorities.
- District/City Councils manage the effects of land use, noise, subdivision. They have District Plans and issue resource consents.
- Regional Councils manage discharges of contaminants to land, air or water, water quality and quantity. They have Regional Plans and issue resource consents (discharge permit, water permits).
Click here to find out more about the RMA.
RMA Review and Reform
An independent panel - Resource Management Review Panel - was established by the Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the Resource Management Act and other significant legislation comprising the resource management system. The Panel's final report identifies the main issues to be addressed in the reform process and offers possible ways in which they might be addressed.
HortNZ made a submission on the Issues and options paper in February 2020.