The decision makers
Decision makers are people and groups who have powers under the RMA to decide:
- whether you can carry out certain activities
- how resources are to be used.
The decision makers are: Ministers of the Crown; Local Government; Territorial Authorities; Unitary Authorities; Consent Authorities; The Environment Court; Heritage Protection Authorities; Requiring Authorities.
Note: Some of the functions and powers of local authorities may be transferred or delegated to others, including iwi authorities or Maori Liaison Committees appointed by councils (see Transfer of powers).
Purpose of the RMA 1991
The RMA 1991 sets out how we use and manage our resources. It also sets out the types of activities we can carry out in our community. It focuses mainly on the effects that our activities may have on the environment.
The main purpose of the RMA is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
What does sustainable management mean?
Under the RMA, 'sustainable management' means using resources in a way that considers the social, economic and cultural well being of the community while making sure:
- resources are not overused or badly affected for future generations
- irreversible damage does not occur to the environment
- our activities have as little effect as possible on the environment.
