Nick Smith's floating a National Environmental Standard for forestry that reeks of Anne Tolley's abortive attempts to impose a national standard onto schools. In Smith's case, he's seeking to remove localised decision making from councils and pass the power to Central Government, so that industry will benefit.
“It does not make sense that some forestry activities require consents in some areas but not in other council jurisdictions"
Well Nick, local decision making does make sense where conditions are peculiar to that locality. Local authorities have specific and detailed information and experience that can provide the basis of appropriate decision making. Your Wellington-based wonks are not famous for having that ability.
"These proposed standards are part of the Government's broader resource management reforms of proper, stronger central Government direction on environmental protection and reducing compliance costs for industry."
Industry will be further delighted by your proposal, as if they aren't rubbing their hands already!
What an easy run they are getting under the cloak of this government.
Look out environment, here comes Smithy!
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