11. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What feedback has he received from key interest groups on the ministry’s report highlighting low levels of compliance with timelines under the Resource Management Act?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
There has been a reaction of relief from many of the key sectors that finally, after a decade of results getting worse and worse, there is a Government that takes seriously the issue of efficient processing of resource consents. I note particularly the reaction from the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development, which said it had been highlighting the issue for years and is pleased that the cost to businesses and jobs is finally being recognised. I have seen the reactions from Federated Farmers, which said the matter had been a concern for it for a very, very long time, and from Business New Zealand, which said that hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs have been lost by inefficient and slow processing of resource consents.
Has the Minister acknowledged the good work done by the 25 councils that have achieved an over 90 percent compliance rate?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
Yes, I have. I have written specifically to those 25 councils, which I commend for the work of their staff in efficiently processing consents. It shows that if those 25 councils can do it, then so too can the other 60. That is why we should commend those councils that are doing well in this area.
Has the Minister had any response from the non-compliant councils; if so, what has been their response?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
I have been encouraged by the response from many of the councils with a poor performance record. Many of them have acknowledged that it is not good enough and that they are taking steps to correct it. A few councils have been in denial. Some have wanted to argue the figures that they themselves provided. But the overwhelming response is one of wanting to work with the Government so that the problem can be fixed.