WELLINGTON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government announced a plan on Wednesday to transform the Resource Management Act (RMA), the main law that constrains development in New Zealand.
The reform will boost affordable housing development and radically reduce complexity issues, while also increasing freshwater quality and fighting climate change.
The bill to amend the current RMA will be introduced in the next few months to address urgent issues, pending the comprehensive rewrite, said Environment Minister David Parker.
Although being the country's main law managing building and natural environments, the RMA was not working as well as intended, admitted Parker.
The minister reiterated at a press conference that it is unacceptable for this cornerstone law to be underperforming in a country that values protection of the environment while properly housing its people.
It is understood that more immediate changes to the law look to address urban development and improve freshwater quality, but not change the core of the law.
An expert advisory group will be set up to undertaking the review of the RMA.
The move was welcomed by manufacturing and construction sectors but drew criticism from the opposition National Party, for creating another working group that kicks an important issue to touch until after the next election.
