Understanding The Rma

Are you still grappling with the subtleties of the Resource Management Act 1991? The good news is that the Christchurch Community Law Centre has produced five booklets dealing with different aspects of resource management in New Zealand.

The bad news (for those still trying to comprehend the legislation) is that the RMA looks set to be amended this year.

Proposed changes include removing social and economic considerations from the definition of "environment".

According to Minister for the Environment Simon Upton, commissioners will make more resource management decisions, currently dealt with mainly by territorial council committees. The Minister has also signalled changes to the timing and format of hearings to increase public involvement.

These and other planned changes are outlined in the booklet Proposals for Amendment to the Resource Management Act available from the Ministry for the Environment.

To understand the current situation though, try reading the educational booklets produced by the Christchurch Community Law Centre's Resource Management Service:

Booklet One The Resource Management Act 1991: Plans and Policy Statements

Booklet Two The Resource Management Act 1991: The Resource Consent Process

Booklet Three Land Use Legislation and the Resource Management Act 1991

Booklet Four Conservation Legislation and the Resource Management Act 1991

Booklet Five The Resource Management Act 1991 and other Natural Resource Legislation

The booklets explain complex legislation in a manner that people with no specialist knowledge of the law can understand. The question and answer format, sketches and cartoons, and clear language make the booklets user friendly.

The booklets are available in sets of five only. They can be purchased for $10 per set direct from Sandra Preston at the Law Centre, PO Box 2912, Christchurch, telephone (03) 366 6870, fax (03) 366 6631.