The Environmental Defence Society has filed extensive submissions on the government’s review of national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991. The government’s proposals prioritise use and development at the expense of the natural environment.
“Taken together, the changes set out pose a significant risk to indigenous biodiversity, freshwater, wetlands, elite soils and the coastal marine environment. They will result in more inappropriate and environmentally damaging activities occurring in New Zealand’s most sensitive places,” says EDS Chief Operating Officer and lawyer, Shay Schlaepfer. The proposals “are being pushed through under a ‘growth at all costs’ mentality that will result in more pollution for longer and more destruction of nature,” she says.
EDS’s key concerns are:
Forestry review too narrow: The proposed changes fail to address systemic issues with forestry regulations which are resulting in extensive and damaging slash and sedimentation mobilisation events.
Infrastructure proposal lacks environmental considerations: There is no corresponding focus on protecting the natural environment.
Increased mining and quarrying in sensitive areas: The proposed changes will facilitate more mining and quarrying activities.
Freshwater management at risk: The proposed changes would unwind decades of freshwater management progress.
Natural hazards not taken seriously: There is no regulation to stop building in high hazards areas.
EDS’s submissions propose changes which would bring the instruments into a more acceptable and lawful outcome.
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