Consultation on reviewing the Resource Management Infringement Fine Regulations
We are reviewing the Resource Management Act (RMA) infringement notice fines to ensure they are up to date, and effectively protect our environment.
- Have your say on the consultation [Citizen Space website]
We want to hear your thoughts on the amount infringement fines should be set at, so the changes are fair for all New Zealanders. You can provide your feedback from 7 February until 31 March 2023.
The consultation is on the ‘instant fines’ issued by councils for environmental rule breaches that are not serious enough to justify prosecution in court.
Common breaches leading to infringement fines include minor contaminant discharge from farms, building sites or businesses into waterways, dust or odour discharges or noise complaints.
The proposed changes affect councils and authorities enforcing environmental compliance and infrastructure providers, farmers and land users, contractors, companies, homeowners, and individuals who could breach the rules.
The current fines were set under the Resource Management Act in 1999, and are now too low to discourage non-compliance with plan rules or consent conditions.