Territorial Authorities

What is the role of territorial authorities under the RMA?

Territorial authorities have a wide range of functions under the Act (section 31), including controlling:

• Effects of the use of land and associated natural and physical resources
• Natural hazards, the management of hazardous substances, contaminated sites and biodiversity conservation to the extent that they are affected by land use
• Land subdivision
• Noise
• Activities on the surfaces of rivers and lakes.

In addition, they must prepare a district plan.