News and Events / 2022

Government consulting on the Natural and Built Environments Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill

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The Government has set out two Bills to replace the Resource Management Act. These are open for consultation until 5 February 2023.

The Chatham Islands Council are putting together a submission on the Bills and as a member of the public, you can also make a submission(external link). The Government has set out two Bills to replace the Resource Management Act.

These are open for consultation until 5 February 2023. The Chatham Islands Council are putting together a submission on the Bills and as a member of the public, you can also make a submission. For an overview of the proposals and for more details view the Parliament’s website(external link).  

The Chatham Islands are specifically excluded from the requirements of the Spatial Planning Bill but will need to be fully compliant with the Natural and Built Environments Bill. Changes from the current system include:

  • the need to set up a Regional Planning Committee with representatives from the Council, Iwi, Imi and Hapū
  • the need to develop a Natural and Built Environments Plan to replace the Chatham Islands Resource Management Document
  • Changes to the resource consent process
  • Changes to priorities for environmental protection and development.