Policy and Planning Committee Update

Highlights from the March Policy and Planning Committee meeting.

Changes to the RMA

An overview of National Government-led proposed reform of the RMA was presented to Councillors on the Policy and Planning Committee this week. TCDC’s Senior Policy Planner Bruce Baker told the committee it was still unclear exactly how the reforms would specifically impact on the Peninsula and the Council would include any comment in a joint submission being drafted by Local Government New Zealand. Among the proposals is an increase in fines for RMA offences from $200,000 for corporate offenders to a maximum of $600,000 and a maximum of $300,000 for individuals. Removing the Minister of Conservation’s powers in respect to decision making on restricted coastal activities is also among the proposals. The overview can be viewed in the Policy and Planning Committee agenda available at all Council offices and libraries.

Heritage Study

A heritage expert is talking with local residents around the district as part of an assessment of the Peninsula’s heritage themes, including history of settlements, industry, places, structures and more. Specific community heritage studies will follow this district wide thematic assessment, starting with the Tairua, Hikuai and Pauanui area and followed by Mercury Bay. Heritage consultant Dr Ann McEwan will present her findings to the Policy and Planning Committee at its April meeting. This work is part of the Council’s wider Heritage Strategy.