An avalanche of RMA reform – are we ready and what will it mean for infrastructure?
After years of repeated demands for the RMA to be dumped and blamed for a myriad of major issues (from water quality to the housing crisis), the RMA s demise seems imminent.
While this article is focused on infrastructure, and the path ahead, it is critical for all New Zealanders that the policy settings of the RMA replacement legislation, and its subordinate policies are properly set. Failure to do so will be felt for generations to come. There is a significant and pressing need for major infrastructure upgrades across New Zealand. We have invested far too little over the last 30+ years. Much of our infrastructure is creaking; at or over capacity; at the end of its design life; and/or failing to provide sustainable environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes. Significantly adding to these problems is the effect of climate change on existing infrastructure, and the need for new infrastru