Mackenzie Basin Catchment Collective
If you’re involved in land management, farming, or environmental work in the Mackenzie Basin, understanding how the Resource Management Act (RMA) works is essential. The RMA is the key piece of legislation that guides how New Zealand’s natural and physical resources are managed. It sets the framework for how land, water, and air are used and protected, balancing environmental health with economic and social needs.
How the RMA Works
The RMA was introduced in 1991 to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. It requires councils and environmental authorities to consider the effects of activities on the environment and to create policies and plans that guide how resources are used.
Under the RMA, councils are responsible for:
Developing and enforcing district and regional plans: These plans outline how resources will be managed and set rules for land use, water use, and other activities.
Granting or declining resource consents for certain activities: Activities that might impact the environment require resource consents, which are assessed based on their potential effects.
Monitoring compliance with environmental standards: Councils ensure that activities comply with the conditions of their resource consents and with broader environmental standards.
The Rules and Framework within the RMA
The RMA operates through a hierarchical framework of national, regional, and district-level policies and plans:
National Policy Statements (NPS): These provide direction on matters of national significance, such as freshwater management and urban development. They set out objectives and policies that must be reflected in regional and district plans.
National Environmental Standards (NES): These are regulations that set minimum standards for specific activities, such as air quality, drinking water, and soil contamination. They ensure consistency across the country
Regional Policy Statements (RPS): Each regional council must prepare an RPS, which outlines the significant resource management issues for the region and sets out policies and methods to address them. The RPS provides a framework for regional and district plans
Regional Plans: These plans are developed by regional councils like Environment Canterbury (ECan) and set rules around water use, air quality, and land management at a regional level. They must give effect to the NPS, NES, and RPS
District Plans: Local councils create district plans that set out land use rules (like zoning and building standards) within their specific areas. These plans must be consistent with the regional plans and the RPS
Catchment Management Plans: At the catchment level, plans address issues like water quality, irrigation, and biodiversity, directly impacting the work of farmers and landowners. These plans are often developed in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders
Staying Up to Date and Meeting Compliance
Because environmental regulations and plans are regularly updated, it’s important to stay informed and proactive. Here’s how you can keep on top of changes and ensure you’re meeting compliance:
Sign up for updates: Subscribe to newsletters and alerts from ECan and your local council.
Attend local meetings: Community and catchment group meetings often discuss upcoming changes and how they might affect you.
Check council websites: ECan and local councils post updates and public notices online.
Join industry groups: Farming and environmental networks often provide updates and resources to help you understand new regulations.
Engage with MBCC: As a collective, we aim to share important information and help members navigate changes together. We will be sharing more information on this and council plans!
By understanding the RMA and how local plans are built from it, we can make more informed decisions and work together to protect the land we all rely on. Through collaboration and staying informed, we can ensure that we meet compliance while maintaining the health and resilience of the Mackenzie Basin.
Stay connected with MBCC for updates and guidance on environmental regulations and how they apply to our region.
1: Resource Management Act 1991 - New Zealand Legislation.
