The second round of reforms passed into law last night with the support of the Maori Party. They include provisions which require councils to free up land for housing, and environmental rules which will require farmers to fence off waterways. "This reform delivers on National's Bluegreen agenda of supporting economic growth, more houses, better infrastructure and less bureaucracy while ensuring New Zealand's environment is well managed and protected." National had been "politically dishonest" by blaming the RMA for New Zealand's housing woes, he said. Green MP Julie Anne Genter said National had squandered an opportunity to make meaningful changes to the RMA.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 06, 2017 22:52 UTC