Forest and Bird's RMA Workshops

Forest and Bird, Issue 306, 1 November 2002, Page 43

Forest and Bird's RMA Workshops

resource

management lawyer, Forest and Bird.

— KATE MITCALFE,

Hees and Bird has been running a series of fullday workshops on the Resource Management Act, with funding from the Ministry for the Environment. The workshops were launched in Wellington and held in 14 centres from Whangarei to Invercargill. The purpose of the Resource Management Act is to promote the sustainable management of the environment. It protects the elements of the environment and diminishing natural areas that provide habitat for New Zealand’s native species. The Resource Management Act sets up processes to give the community a chance to comment on activities that may have significant environmental impacts. These

public processes ensure that decisions are fair, balanced and sustainable. The RMA workshops, and the free 70-page booklet given to all participants, explained the process for environmental decision-making under the RMA and gave people the skills and confidence to participate through persuasive, focused submissions. Kate Mitcalfe, the Society’s Resource Management lawyer, led the workshops, with assistance from Emma Williams, the workshop coordinator, regional field officers and Forest and Bird members. Guest speakers included representatives from regional and district councils, the Department of Conservation and local environment centres.

The RMA workshops attracted groups of up to 55, with a diverse range of participants including Federated Farmers, New Zealand Salmon Anglers, iwi, residents and ratepayer organisations, Property Rights NZ and many more. The feedback from participants was very positive; one participant commented: ‘I’ve attended several workshops on RMA matters and this rates the best. Council speakers brought their own local but complementary experience. Forest and Bird also welcomes a number of new members as a result of the RMA workshops.