Social:Natural and Built Environments Act
| Natural and Built Environments Act | |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Parliament | |
| Considered by | New Zealand Parliament |
| Introduced by | David Parker |
The Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) is the name of one of three laws which will replace New Zealand's Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).[1] The NBA aims to promote the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment, while providing for housing and preparing for the effects of climate change.[2]
An exposure draft of the Act was released in late June 2021 to allow for public submissions. It is expected that the law will be enacted within the next three years.[3]
History
A 2020 review of the RMA found various problems with the existing resource management system, and concluded that it could not cope with modern environmental pressures.[4] In January 2021, the Government announced that the RMA will be replaced by three acts - the NBA being the primary of the three.[5]
An exposure draft of the Act was released in late June 2021.[2]
Contents
The NBA's exposure draft features many contrasts to its RMA predecessor. This includes the ability to set environmental limits, the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the provisions to increase housing supply, and the ability for planners to access activities based on outcomes. A notable difference is the NBA's stronger attention to Māori involvement in decision making and Māori environmental issues. Greater emphasis is put on upholding the nation's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi.[2]
Under the Act, over 100 Plans and policy statements will be replaced by just 14 Plans. These Plans will be prepared by new Regional Council Planning Committees and their planning secretariats. The Planning Committee will be composed of one person to represent the Minister of Conservation, appointed representatives of mana whenua, and elected people from each District within the region. The committee will have an array of responsibilities, including the ability to vote on plan changes, set environmental limits for the region, and consider recommendations from hearings. The planning secretariat would draft the plans and provide expert advice.[2]
References
- ↑ "Natural and Built Environments Bill: Parliamentary paper on the exposure draft". Ministry for the Environment. https://environment.govt.nz/publications/natural-and-built-environments-bill-parliamentary-paper-on-the-exposure-draft/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Natural and Built Environments Bill". Ministry for the Environment. https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/Natural-and-Built-Environments-Bill-Exposure-Draft.pdf.
- ↑ "Natural and Built Environments Bill Parliamentary paper on the exposure draft". Ministry for the Environment. https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/Parliamentary-Paper-on-the-Exposure-Draft-of-the-NBA.pdf.
- ↑ "Independent review of the resource management system". Ministry for the Environment. https://www.mfe.govt.nz/rmreview.
- ↑ Morton, Jamie (10 February 2021). "Government confirms it will scrap Resource Management Act, create three new acts". NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/government-confirms-it-will-scrap-resource-management-act-create-three-new-acts/AGC55DLIT2DITCZOBPQBU5JGZI/.
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