The Fastest-Growing District's Chance to Shine: Mayor's Vision for RMA Reforms
The Ashburton and Selwyn councils are gearing up for a significant transformation in their planning systems, thanks to the Government's latest reform announcement. This move is set to impact the fastest-growing district in the country, and Mayor Lydia Gliddon is optimistic about the potential benefits.
In an exclusive interview with Local Democracy Reporting, Mayor Gliddon expressed her hopes for the Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, stating, 'We aim to cut through the bureaucracy, accelerate positive development, and safeguard our natural environment.'
Selwyn, being the country's fastest-growing district, requires a planning system that can keep pace with housing and infrastructure demands while preserving its natural beauty. The proposed changes offer a unique opportunity to streamline decision-making processes and reduce compliance costs, all without compromising environmental standards.
Mayor Gliddon emphasizes the importance of a calm, evidence-based approach, ensuring that Selwyn's growing community receives the necessary services. The council will dedicate a two-day briefing workshop in January to thoroughly examine the Government's reforms, aiming for a practical and balanced implementation strategy.
Similarly, Ashburton is embracing the changes. Mayor Liz McMillan confirms that the council is currently reviewing the extensive RMA information released this week. She highlights the significant nature of the proposed changes for local government.
To facilitate the transition, the council will host a workshop on Tuesday to discuss the RMA changes and other recent government announcements. The Government's plan involves introducing two new bills: a Planning Act focusing on land use, housing, and infrastructure, and a Natural Environment Act dedicated to managing environmental impacts, freshwater, and biodiversity.
These bills are scheduled for passage in Parliament by 2026 and full implementation across the nation by around 2029. The primary goal is to simplify and expedite planning and consenting processes, allowing many activities to be permitted by default or through streamlined, standardized procedures, thereby reducing the need for individual resource consents in numerous cases.
As part of the transition, the Government has announced that existing resource consents expiring before the end of 2027 will be automatically extended to December 31, 2027. This move aims to provide continuity and support during the reform process.
The Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) initiative, co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air, is committed to delivering in-depth local body journalism, ensuring that these reforms are thoroughly examined and their impact on the community is understood.
