Agricultural sector faces uncertainty over water discharge regulations.
The New Zealand Government has announced plans to clarify section 70 of the Resource Management Act (RMA), aiming to provide certainty for councils and primary producers. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay confirmed that a clarification would be introduced through the second Resource Management Amendment Bill.
According to Mr McClay, the recent High Court decision threatens to impose costs on the primary sector, hindering its ability to improve freshwater quality over time. The ruling could also significantly increase the consenting workload of councils, affecting clearance timeframes and consent backlogs.
The Government's goal is to produce clear rules that unlock economic growth and productivity alongside positive environmental outcomes. The clarification aims to provide legal clarity for councils and applicants, allowing them to plan ahead and ensure key operations in the primary sector can continue without disruption.
The clarification is part of the Government's commitment to supporting New Zealand's economic growth while maintaining environmental standards. It is expected that the second Resource Management Amendment Bill will address the concerns raised by the High Court decision and provide a more practical approach to managing permitted discharge activities under section 70 of the RMA.