Phase Two RMA reforms – bigger than Ben Hur?

The Phase One reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA) in the Government's first term were substantial but Phase Two, scheduled for next year, promises to be bigger.

This Brief Counsel looks at the likely shape of the reform programme.

The RMA's principles

Previous reform rounds have occasionally dabbled with the RMA's principles but have left them largely untouched. We expect that is about to change.

The Act's "sustainable management" purpose is still out-of-bounds. But the "RMA Principles" Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has been directed to consider how sections 6 and 7 of the Act can be adapted to improve management of the urban environment, infrastructure planning and the natural hazard issues arising from the Canterbury earthquakes.