Submissions

NZPI offers this submission on behalf of the New Zealand Planning Profession about proposed Ministry for Environment National Planning Standards (NPSs). Background to the submission is contained in the next two sections (Introduction and Overview). The next section reports feedback provided by members to an MfE administered survey which explored attitudes to proposed NPSs and aspects of the consultation process. The final section highlights important advice contained in officer reports about the proposed NPSs prepared by Auckland and Wellington City Councils.

This submission contains high level comment relating to the overall purpose and design of the proposed Urban Development Authority legislative intervention, followed by detailed comments on specific issues and proposals.

The policy context for NZPI’s submission to the Productivity Commission Better Urban Planning draft report is dominated by an unprecedented volume and diversity of central government led reform initiatives which appear to be mainly addressed at Auckland housing affordability, house price rises in other parts of the country, and wider macroeconomic considerations. NZPI is concerned that the Productivity Commission’s emphasis on fixing short-term problems may damage planning systems which are designed to promote and protect natural and urban environments long term.

After consulting with members about the proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity, the NZPI has prepared a detailed and well-researched submission. This quotes member comments collected in a survey and is driven by member responses that are reported in an appendix.

NZPI has made a comprehensive submission to the Select Committee established by the Ministry for Environment to consider feedback on the Resource Management Legislation Amendment Bill. The submission, informed by legal opinion in some instances, identifies three categories of proposals within the Bill.

The Productivity Commission's first principles review of NZ's system of urban is one of a number of initiatives aimed at improving our country's planning framework. Responding to these initiatives the NZPI has embarked on a range of actions - tapping into the enormous knowledge held by our members - and is conducting enquiries into what is working well, what could be improved, and what could be added in New Zealand's planning system. The findings of NZPI's preliminary research which includes close examination of MfE and LGNZ policy initiatives, forms the basis of our approach to these submissions to the Productivity Commission's enquiry.

NZPI welcomes and values the Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) contribution to the debate about New Zealand’s resource management regime. We value the relationship that exists between our two partner institutions and appreciate opportunities to share ideas and to debate important issues that arise recognising that our members often find themselves working alongside each other on similar matters.

The NZPI welcomes the opportunity to contribute to Ministry for Environment (MfE) early thinking in the design of a potential National Policy Statement (NPS) which: “…provide(s) direction to local authorities on residential and business development capacity in plans and policy statements to enable growth and change in urban areas”.

The NZPI welcomes the opportunity to participate in this significant and timely review of New Zealand’s system of urban planning that has been initiated by the Ministers of Finance, Local Government, Building & Housing, Environment, and Transport.

The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Proposed National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NESPF).

Response to the Final Draft Report. NZPI is pleased to see reference to its submission in the Draft Report and that some of its general feedback on the Issues Paper are reflected in its findings and recommendations.

NZPI’s Briefing Paper to Incoming Ministers (BIM) outlines key challenges that NZPI foresees for planning over the next few years. The BIM has been used to engage in discussion with Ministers with portfolios that affect planning and other relevant legislation.

The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the above

Following consultation with its members, NZPI delivered its feedback to Auckland Council on its Draft Auckland Unitary Plan.

Following consultation with its members, NZPI delivered its submission to MfE on Freshwater reform 2013 and beyond. Delivered on 8 April 2013, the submission was peer reviewed by members with expertise in freshwater issues, as well as the NZPI Board and Planning Advisory Committee.

Following feedback from members, and peer review by the NZPI Board and the Planning Advisory Committee, NZPI delivered its submission to MfE on the Improving our Resource Management System discussion document. Delivered on Tuesday April 2nd, this submission is the product of extensive consultation with members and was informed by a number of regional workshops orchestrated by regional NZPI Branch leadership.

Following feedback from members and peer review by the NZPI Board and the Planning Advisory Committee, NZPI has delivered its submission to MfE on the RM Reform Bill. Delivered on Thursday February 28th. The Bill is an omnibus that proposes amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991, the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010, and to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.