Taranaki councils kick off resource management shake-up

Taranaki councils are taking first steps to prepare for the Government’s shake-up of resource management, even before the law changes are passed.

On Tuesday Taranaki Regional Council picked two councillors to help set the ground rules for deciding a new region-wide plan and South Taranaki District Council will choose its representatives on Wednesday.

The Government says Resource Management Act is too complex and is blocking development.

It’s carrying out a massive overhaul with two replacement laws before Parliament – the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.

Once the new laws pass, councils will get together with other players and create Regional Spatial Plans to coordinate land use, infrastructure, natural resources, and growth over the long-term.

But first Taranaki’s regional council and three district councils must draw up ground rules for working on the plan with communities, iwi, central government, neighbouring regions and infrastructure providers.

Existing iwi representation that's legally required in Treaty settlement legislation and other agreements must be carried forward into the region's long-term governance arrangements.

Bonita Bigham represents TRC's Māori roll constituency and will help ensure legally required iwi representation continues

Staff from the four councils suggested that the ground rules for setting the spatial plan be drafted by a joint steering group, then brought back to councillors for approval.

TRC chair Craig Williamson nominated the council's Policy and Planning Committee chair Bonita Bigham and deputy Jonathan Young for the Taranaki Resource Management Reform Steering Group.

Bigham is Williamson's deputy and has held senior positions with Local Government New Zealand, while Young is a former MP for New Plymouth.

TRC chair Craig Williamson says councillors Bonita Bigham and Jonathan Young will bring depth of experience to setting the ground rules for a regional plan.

“Both Bonita and Jonathan would be an advantage to that steering group with broad local and central government experience, strong relationships with mana whenua, [and] understanding Taranaki’s energy sector," Williamson said.

“All of these matters are crucial to the successful delivery of the spatial plan.”

Regional councillors accepted his nominations unanimously.

On Wednesday afternoon South Taranaki councillors are due to make their choices, with Mayor Phil Nixon and Councillor Andy Beccard nominated for the steering group.

A report by TRC strategy lead Finbar Kiddle explained the process agreement will outline roles, responsibilities, decision-making pathways, engagement expectations, and milestones for developing the spatial plan.

Kiddle told councillors the agreement “will have to set out how the four councils will work together, the operational provisions, how we'll engage with the community, how we'll work with iwi – the kinda key issues for the region.

“It's a really important document.”

nā Craig Ashworth craig@tekorimako.co.nz  

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