Otago Regional Council (ORC) chair Gretchen Robertson said the council needs more information on the new government’s plans to repeal key elements of the current resource management framework.

The new coalition government has said it plans to repeal the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023, the Spatial Planning Act 2023 and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater 2020. 

“Given Otago’s work to date and intent to notify a new plan in June 2024, it’s critical now because our council and the wider community desperately need certainty about any future changes and how they may impact our plan process,” she said.

Gretchen said there had been “significant work” undertaken by ORC and communities across

the region to develop a new Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and its draft Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) in recent years.

“Whether it’s an irrigator, an exporter relying on strong environmental-stewardship reputation, or a camper swimming in a local waterway - we all need certainty,” she says.

“Both local and central government want to ensure we can thrive and retain not only a strong international, but also domestic reputation. We also don’t want to stifle both economies and community visions with any uncertainty.”

Thousands of hours and huge ratepayer investment in science and planning has gone into the ORC’s draft Land and Water Plan (LRPW) to date.

Gretchen said the ORC and its communities “face real challenges” as the current LWRP plan is old and unworkable unless addressed.

Minister of Housing Chris Bishop wrote to the ORC earlier this week, broadly outlining the party’s intent for resource management reforms. 

Councillors have discussed his letter and will shortly send an invitation to the minister along with the Minister for the Environment to meet with ORC, Gretchen said.

“All New Zealanders value healthy rivers, lakes and streams and local government needs to be actively involved with central government, we’re both key players,” she said.

“We need to start discussion with key ministers, invite it and welcome it.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App