A number of statutory bodies are involved in environmental management under the RMA. When exercising their powers to determine resource consent applications regional councils, territorial authorities, the Environment Court and Boards of Inquiry are termed 'consent authorities'. Further information on the various authorities is available on the Ministry for the Environment's website 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA', click here for further details.
The Ministry for the Environment provides RMA advice, initiates the preparation of national policy statements and environmental standards, and compiles and distributes information on environmental matters.
The Department of Conservation manages New Zealand's conservation estate, oversees the management of the coastal environment, and more generally promotes the conservation of natural and historic resources.
A new Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was established on 1 October 2009. The EPA is a stand-alone Crown entity. The EPA's role is focused on the 'call in' procedure which applies to proposals of national significance.
The Commissioner reviews and provides advice on environmental issues and the government's environmental management systems.
Regional councils are responsible for the integrated management of natural and physical resources of their region including the coastal marine area, the preparation of regional policy statements and plans, and the determination of applications for water and discharge permits. There are five unitary authorities which carry out the combined role of a regional council and a territorial authority.
Territorial authorities are primarily responsible for controlling the impacts of land use within their district, including the preparation of district plans, and the determination of applications for land use and subdivision consent. There are five unitary authorities which carry out the combined role of a regional council and a territorial authority.
The Environment Court hears and determines a wide range of matters under the RMA.
Management Responsibilities of Statutory Bodies under the RMA
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