National policy statements enable central government to prescribe objectives and policies on resource management matters of national significance. Such statements guide subsequent decision-making under the RMA at the national, regional and district levels. National policy statements can therefore significantly affect resource management practices in New Zealand.
The Minister of Conservation is required to prepare a New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (section 57), but other national policy statements (prepared by the Minister for the Environment) are optional.
What issues does a national policy statement address?
National policy statements have broad scope. They can state policies and objectives on any issue which is of national importance and which is also relevant to promoting the sustainable management of natural and physical resources (section 45).
What is the content of national policy statements?
The RMA does not prescribe the content of national policy statements. They may incorporate standards, requirements or recommended practices of international organisations and any other written material that deals with technical matters and is too large or impractical to include in the standard (section 46B).
What is the effect of national policy statements?
For information about the effect of national policy statements click here
How are national policy statements prepared?
For information about how national policy statements are prepared click here
What is the current status of national policy statements?
For information about the current status of national policy statements click here
What are the relevant legal provisions?
For information about legal provisions relating to national policy statements click here
Where can you get further information?
