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The Resource Management Act (RMA) is a significant, and at times, controversial Act of Parliament passed in 1991 in New Zealand. The Act controls the use of land, air and water and attempts to minimise the environmental effects of human activity.
Effect on other legislation
The enactment of the RMA had an effect on a large amount of Acts, regulations and orders.
- A total of 69 Acts and amended Acts were repealed. (See RMA Sixth Schedule)
- Nineteen regulations and orders were revoked (Seventh Schedule)
The RMA requires the application for a resource consent for any activities that relate to resource use. As part of a resource consent an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE), a report on the Environmental Impact Assessment, is required.
Opinions on the RMA
Proponents of the RMA argue that it ensures the sustainable use of resources for the foreseeable needs of the present and future generation, and also recognises the importance of indigenous rights in the mitigation process. In this respect, the RMA is a pioneering act in the area of sustainable development.
Critics of the act argue that the resource management process is a barrier to investment, being unpredictable, expensive, protracted and often subject to undue influence from local lobby groups. The Act has regularly made headlines since its introduction, receiving the blame for the failure of a number of high profile projects. New Zealand environmental lobby groups claim that about 95% of all resource consents are granted.
External links
- New Zealand Government legislation - text of the Act.
- Ministry for the Environment - guide to preparing an AEE.
- RMAlink - community RMA information resource.
Further reading
- Forest and Bird, 2004 Handbook of Environmental Law ISBN 09597855183
"Resource Management Act"