Post by Kiwi Frontline on Nov 20, 2016 18:42:03 GMT 12
GOVERNMENT'S RMA REFORMS SET TO MOVE AHEAD AFTER MAORI PARTY COMPROMISE
Much-delayed plans to reform the Resource Management Act (RMA) are set to move ahead, with the Government reaching a compromise with the Maori Party in exchange for its backing.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced that the Maori Party will support the controversial Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, intended to speed up planning and consent laws.
Speaking to media, Smith said an agreement around the details of "iwi participation agreements" - giving Maori greater involvement in the consenting process - to get the numbers needed to pass the legislation.
The Government could also need to consult with the Maori Party on the detailed drafting of the bill when reported back to Parliament to ensure it was consistent with their agreement.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said the changes they negotiated with the Government ensured the environment would be protected, while fellow co-leader Marama Fox said other amendments would give iwi greater involvement.
"Iwi have a role as kaitiaki [guardians] of our natural resources based on the spiritual and cultural relationship they have always had with the environment.
"Maori must therefore be given a crucial role in the management of these resources including our rivers, mountains and national parks."
The iwi participation agreements "go beyond anything that currently exists for Maori outside of a Treaty settlement", Flavell said.
The Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group supported the "significant gains" won by the Maori Party, with deputy chairman Mark Solomon saying they would "create a new opportunity for iwi and hapu to engage with councils in a more equitable way".......
www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/86265613/governments-rma-reforms-set-to-move-ahead-after-maori-party-compromise
Further article on the RMA here > www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11744940
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00185/national-try-to-bury-weak-rma-reform.htm
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00183/us-election-cover-wont-save-maori-party.htm
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1611/S00125/iwi-leaders-group-supports-maori-party-on-rma.htm
Much-delayed plans to reform the Resource Management Act (RMA) are set to move ahead, with the Government reaching a compromise with the Maori Party in exchange for its backing.
Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced that the Maori Party will support the controversial Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, intended to speed up planning and consent laws.
Speaking to media, Smith said an agreement around the details of "iwi participation agreements" - giving Maori greater involvement in the consenting process - to get the numbers needed to pass the legislation.
The Government could also need to consult with the Maori Party on the detailed drafting of the bill when reported back to Parliament to ensure it was consistent with their agreement.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said the changes they negotiated with the Government ensured the environment would be protected, while fellow co-leader Marama Fox said other amendments would give iwi greater involvement.
"Iwi have a role as kaitiaki [guardians] of our natural resources based on the spiritual and cultural relationship they have always had with the environment.
"Maori must therefore be given a crucial role in the management of these resources including our rivers, mountains and national parks."
The iwi participation agreements "go beyond anything that currently exists for Maori outside of a Treaty settlement", Flavell said.
The Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group supported the "significant gains" won by the Maori Party, with deputy chairman Mark Solomon saying they would "create a new opportunity for iwi and hapu to engage with councils in a more equitable way".......
www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/86265613/governments-rma-reforms-set-to-move-ahead-after-maori-party-compromise
Further article on the RMA here > www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11744940
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00185/national-try-to-bury-weak-rma-reform.htm
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1611/S00183/us-election-cover-wont-save-maori-party.htm
Here > www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1611/S00125/iwi-leaders-group-supports-maori-party-on-rma.htm