Submission on the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

14 March 2016

Chair
Local Government and Environment Select Committee|
Parliament Buildings
Wellington

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission – Resource Legislation Amendment Bill 2016

WATER CLASSES AND NPSFM

1. Water New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and represents water professionals and organisations. It is the country's largest water industry body, providing leadership and support in the water sector through advocacy, collaboration and professional development. Members are drawn from all areas of the water management industry including regional councils and territorial authorities, consultants, suppliers, government agencies and scientists

2. Water New Zealand supports clause 44 of the RLA which provides that Schedule 3 of the Resource Management Act: Water Classes ceases to apply to freshwater. The interaction between this Schedule and the NPSFM is unclear. Schedule 3 was imported into the RMA from the previous Town and Country Planning legislation. The NPSFM is the most up to date legislative instrument addressing water quality and quantity, and ought to take precedence.

Changes sought

3. Water New Zealand seeks for clarity and completeness that the RLA repeals Schedule 3 of the RMA in its entirety.

4. We do not wish to be heard in support of this submission.

John Pfahlert

Chief Executive