Preface
The Resource Management RMA 1991 (RMA) is an important piece of legislation that influences our lives every day. It has a significant bearing on how we choose to live, work and play. Under its framework, New Zealand is moving towards a more sustainable future, one in which we will live more in harmony with the environment that sustains us.
Having a basic knowledge of the RMA is vital for people whose business or private activities involve natural resources such as water or land, those who wish to protect the wider environment, or those who want to get involved in the decisions that affect their neighbourhood, town, papakainga or local environment.
Most people and groups can come into contact with the RMA in different ways, such as:
- when they seek to carry out a new activity or build something and become aware that they may or may not need a resource consent (see Section 3 of this guide)
- when considering how to prepare the assessment of environmental effects that must be attached to each application for resource consent (see Section 3.3.5)
- when someone asks them whether they would be prepared to give written approval for something the person wishes to carry out that needs a resource consent (see Section 3.3.1)
- when they read in the public notices column of a local newspaper that a council has publiclynotifiedan applicationforresource consent, a proposed planorpolicy statement, a change to a proposed plan or policy statement, or a requirement for a designation, to which submissions are invited, and they want to establish whether what is proposed will affect them or the environment in some way (see Section 4)
- when they are served with an abatement notice, enforcement order or excessive noise direction (see Section 5.2)
- when wondering what they can do to help protect the environment (see Section 5)
- when they are unhappy with a decision made by a council or are unsure whether they should lodge an appeal in the Environment Court (see Section 3.5).
This guide cuts through the jargon and confusion sometimes generated about the RMA, and presents a simple explanation of the legislation, the processes it has established, and how you can pursue your interests, whatever they may be. It has been written from the perspective of users of the RMA, and in it you will find information on (and examples of):
- why the RMA came about
- what it sets out to achieve
- who does what under the RMA
- your responsibilities for the environment when seeking to carry out an activity
- the opportunities for you to influence decisions made about the environment, and how you can take action to protect the environment
- who you can turn to and where you can go for further information about the RMA.
The RMA was developed with the needs of all New Zealanders in mind. It is not solely a law for experts. Its success relies on input from all interests and the public at large.
Throughout this guide, the Resource Management Act is referred to as the RMA.
Please note: This guide provides an outline of the main features of the RMA and the elements of good practice. It should not be used as a substitute for the RMA itself.
