The Ministry for the Environment has published guidance on RMA
processes during the COVID-19 lockdown in this
FAQ sheet.
It confirms that continuing to deliver local government
services, including RMA functions, is considered critical. Not only
for the delivery of lifeline services and in response to threats to
life and serious harm to the environment during the Level-4
lockdown but as part of the economic response to COVID-19 with a
view to aiding recovery post-lockdown.
Overall, the message to local authorities from the Government
may be summarised as being to carry on (where essential or
possible) but take care and be reasonable.
How the apparent tension between keeping going and complying
with statutory restrictions will work in practice is yet to be
fully seen but feedback from Council's themselves currently
suggests that where matters can be delayed (as non-critical) that
is occurring. This situation is likely to remain under review
depending on the
