Resource Management Act
Members have asked Federated Farmers to fix problems caused by the Resource Management Act. Federated Farmers has determined that fixing the RMA is a priority.
A special team is working on ways to improve the Act, streamline how councils implement the Act and reduce the power of the Department of Conservation in submission and appeal processes.
A Farming Six Pack
There is a strong will for change from farmers. The following is a six-pack for change that would make a real difference for members farming under the RMA:
1. Acknowledge Stewardship - Changes must be made to the Act (s6) and its implementation to reward good stewardship with flexibility and freedom to farm; write economic or property rights as imperative into the Act to provide for compensation upon protection of more specific values for the national good.
2. Mandate Consultation - Councils must make a real effort to understand what motivates on-farm decision-making before writing policies and rules into plans; Memorandum of understanding with councils or legislate meaningful consultation with landowners.
3. Redefine DOC's Role - There are plenty of advocates for the environment; taxpayer-funded advocacy in the planning process by DOC must stop; introduce a concept of net conservation benefit to enable a more holistic approach to on-farm conservation management.
4. Streamline Process - Plans must encourage responsible farming by minimising those activities that require consent; manage effects not the farm; streamline process by introducing a one-stop on-farm visit for issuing individual resource consents.
5. Encourage Farm Succession - Encourage and enable economically sustainable farming with flexible subdivision policies and innovative use of covenants and transferable development rights that compensates farmers who have restricted land use or are required to manage amenity values in areas determined to be of high landscape value.
6. Recognise Farms as Working Landscapes - Farmers who provide the public with the use of their land or who farm in areas that are highly visible should not be required to preserve a state purely for public amenity; tone down or remove requirement to protect amenity values in section 7 of the Act.
Leading the Charge - Speaking for Farmers on the RMA
Spokesperson from the National Board on the environment and RMA issues is Don Nicolson. You can contact Don on dnicolson@fedfarm.org.nz.
Team leader for the Federation's RMA project is Matt Harcombe. You can contact Matt on 0800 327 646 or mharcombe@fedfarm.org.nz.
Have you or someone you know experienced a problem with the RMA? Email us your RMA story.
