Treaty recognition part of RMA overhaul
Decade-long calls for stronger recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi in planning laws are yet to be realised, but are part of the package as the government prepares for a major overhaul of the RMA. The Resource Management Act will be scrapped and replaced, but the government says specific aspects of the replacement legislation such as a Treaty clause, consenting and people's right to appeal are yet to be finalised. A wide ranging independent review by retired judge Tony Randerson found the Treaty clause in the RMA too weak - and the Environment Minister says it's replacement is a work in progress. The newly-formed Maori Collective who will provide input throughout the legislation design process says while it's early days, it's confident its views will be heard. Political reporter Meriana Johnsen has more.