The Resource Management Act 1991 is New Zealand’s principal environmental legislation. Its purpose is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources—such as land, water, air, and coastal areas—for the benefit of current and future generations.

 

Key Features:

• Sustainable Management: The RMA requires that the use, development, and protection of resources balance environmental, social, cultural, and economic needs.

• Integrated Approach: It brings together laws relating to land, air, and water, replacing dozens of previous statutes.

 

Devolution to Local Government

The RMA devolves significant responsibilities to local government, specifically:

• Regional Councils: Manage issues that cross district boundaries, such as water quality, air quality, and coastal marine areas. They prepare regional policy statements and regional plans.

• Territorial Authorities (City and District Councils): Manage land use and subdivision, noise, and natural hazards within their districts. They prepare district plans.

• Resource Consents: Councils are responsible for processing applications for resource consents (permissions to use or develop resources), ensuring activities comply with the RMA and local plans.

• Public Participation: Local authorities must consult with communities, iwi, and stakeholders in developing plans and making decisions.

 

The RMA is in the process of being replaced by new legislation by the Coalition Govenment. The videos below provide some background on the RMA.