RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds
Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.
OPINION: Finally, the jackboot of State will be lifted from the throat of those trying to grow the economy.
Two new Acts - the Natural Environmental Act and the Planning Act - will replace the RMA by the end of 2025, with a bill introduced to Parliament in 2026 and passed before the next election.
According to RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Undersecretary Simon Court, the new system will be grounded in property rights and will shift the burden of proof to those who currently weaponise the RMA to block development.
Cue the wailing from Greenpeace, whose hissy fit nicely sums up the current problem - lack of respect for property rights: "The proposed reforms are based on the dangerous idea that if you own a piece of land, you should be able to do what you like with it."
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.

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