Resource Management Archives

Implications of Waikato Regional Plan Change 1

26 May 2020

Further to our first article in this series which provided an overview of the Waikato Regional Plan Change 1, this second article expands on the PC1 rules and explains how they are likely to impact on farming activities around the region.

Are you ready for Waikato Regional Plan Change 1?

22 May 2020

As you may know that on 22 April, Waikato Regional Council has notified its decision on the Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 for the Waikato and Waipa River Catchments. The article below provides an overview about the Plan Change 1, new rules and its effect on farming activities.

Fast-track consenting for shovel-ready projects: Is this the “THINK BIG” of the 2020s?

6 May 2020

This is not the first time in our history that the government has looked to kick-start the economy with large infrastructure, job-creation projects. There are some lessons to be learned from the past: perhaps we need to take just a little time and accept some community input in order to get it right!

New fast track process for consents and designations

5 May 2020

Cabinet has now approved an initiative to fast-track approval of resource consents for large-scale infrastructure and development projects. The change is designed as a short-term intervention to help with the economic recovery from Covid-19. In this article we discuss the key features of the streamlined process.

Be aware of “Avoidance Policies” when developing in coastal area

20 December 2019

When interpreting “Avoidance Policies” in the National Coastal Policy Statement (the NZCPS), the courts are adopting a strict approach that requires absolute avoidance of adverse effects on the values protected. That approach could significantly limit the ability to obtain a resource consent for any activities on and around New Zealand’s coastal area where “Avoidance Policies” are triggered. It could also apply to other resource management areas.

Too hot to handle! Strict liability and the RMA

16 October 2019

A farmer was fined $14,400 plus costs for allowing waste product to be burnt on his farm. This provides a timely reminder to landowners to ensure that they understand what activities are taking place on their land and to ensure that these are being carried out in a lawful manner.