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Patterns in Resource Management Act implementation: National Monitoring System 2014/15 to 2019/20

This report highlights patterns in council’s implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 over the past six years. It identifies patterns in RMA implementation, which may be used to inform the development of policy or practice. This report has been released in addition to the 2019/20 dataset, to provide an easily understood picture for the wider community.

Find out more about the National Monitoring System and access the dataset

This report highlights patterns in council’s implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 over the past six years. It identifies patterns in RMA implementation, which may be used to inform the development of policy or practice. This report has been released in addition to the 2019/20 dataset, to provide an easily understood picture for the wider community.

Find out more about the National Monitoring System and access the dataset

Key patterns in 2019/20

  • Councils are largely processing consents within statutory timeframes – the percentage of consents processed in time has increased in 2019/20.
  • More than 99 percent of consents are granted by councils.
  • The percent of consents notified has slightly declined.
  • Councils are increasing their use of section 92 or section 37 while processing consents. 
  • Iwi planning documents continue to be produced and recognised by councils. 
  • More councils are providing budget to support iwi and hapū participating in RMA plan development.
  • Councils continue to undertake their compliance, monitoring, and enforcement functions. 
  • The number of enforcement actions taken by local authorities each year is relatively consistent.

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