Kneecapping the RMA

Idiot/savant's not fooled. He sees that the proposed changes to the RMA are more attempts by what he call's "National's orcs" to weaken the environmental protections the RMA provides, and replace them with "developer-friendly" provisions. The need to "recognise natural hazards" is uncontentious, he notes, but makes it clear that National has intentions other than uncontentious ones:

"They've also recommended adding a few clauses, requiring local bodies to recognise and provide for
The significant benefits to be derived from the use and development of natural and physical resources
The planning, design and functioning of the built environment, including the reasonably foreseeable availability of land for urban expansion, use and development
The planning, design and functioning of significant infrastructure

So, instead of protecting the environment, we will have a developer's charter, requiring local authorities to encourage mining and urban sprawl, and giving a blank cheque to whatever crazy roading project Gerry Brownlee wants to buy votes with.

Naturally, none of this is mentioned in National's press release. That's all about "recognising natural hazards" (an utterly uncontentious idea, the omission of which should be corrected).



This is a fundamental perversion of the RMA, away from environmental protection and towards blanket statutory approval of development. National's orcs, who want to dig up, cut down, or pave over everything in sight, will be pleased. But I'm not so sure the New Zealand public will be."