Hi All
Just a couple of updates on RMA matters:
- There has been some chatter recently about the progress of the TANK Plan Change, and the possibility of the Regional Council withdrawing it. However, at this stage the Regional Council has decided to continue with the current Environment Court appeal process, which means that TANK remains relevant. The Regional Council is going to revisit this after the General Election in November, but in the meantime, there is no change to the situation that we have been in for the last few years.
- The Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill (which will replace the Resource Management Act) are being considered in parliament this week. Possible amendments to the bills are being discussed, and changes will potentially be made. Once this process is complete, the Bills will go through a third and final reading, before they receive royal assent. This means that within the next month we should know the final wording of these bills, which will provide a bit more clarity about what resource management will look like moving forward.
- As we come into a new irrigation season, please make sure that water meters and/or telemetry units are working well and accurately recording all water used. Having accurate water use records is going to be important no matter what the new resource management system looks like, so make sure your system is working well, and that you periodically check it, to make sure it continues to operate correctly over the coming season
If anyone has any questions or queries in the resource management space, please do not hesitate to contact Charlotte Drury on 027 3225595, or Charlotte.Drury@hortnz.co.nz
