The RMA has recently been amended to decrease the time and cost it takes to implement development plans. The Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act was introduced by Parliament in October 2009. Those who supported the amendment bill argued that the consultation process (before amendment) created “high costs and unnecessary delays” for those who wanted to upgrade their home or build a garage.[1] Though this is a fair and reasonable argument, the consultation process with small minority groups are often the consultations that are prominent to the preservation of our environment. For instance, consultation between Maori kin groups may take a considerable amount of time, but that is because these groups wish to make sure the interest of developers are in line with the Principle of Kaitiakitanga and will not effect the growth and development of natural resources.[2] Similarly, environmental groups such as Greenpeace are often reliant on the consultation process as a means to get their concerns surrounding commercial developments affecting the environment heard.
[1] John Boscawen, ACT MP, Hansard debates 19/02/2009. First reading.
[2] There are other concerns that kin groups may also like to consult on, kaitiakitanga is merely one of the concerns.