1. The Resource Management Act 1991 (‘RMA’) came into effect on 01 October 1991 and provides the framework for resource management in New Zealand. The RMA has been amended subsequently. The purpose of the RMA is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources including land, water, soil, air, plants and animals and structures (Section 5 of the RMA). The central concept of sustainable management encompasses the use, development or protection of any associated natural and physical resources.
2. In achieving this purpose, certain matters of national importance (Section 6 of the RMA) are to be recognised and provided for. In addition, the RMA directs that all persons exercising powers and functions under the RMA have particular regard to specified “other matters’ as set out in Section 7.
3. The RMA also expresses the duty of territorial authorities with respect to the Treaty of Waitangi through a requirement that all persons exercising functions and powers under the RMA, in relation to managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources, shall take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) (Section 8 of the RMA).
4. The purpose and principles of the RMA are expressed in general terms and apply to all districts. They form the basis of environmental planning for each district and need to be interpreted and balanced in ways that are appropriate to the district concerned.
5. The Hauraki District Plan has been prepared with its central purpose being the promotion of the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources. Duties with regard to matters of national importance, other matters and the Treaty of Waitangi must also guide the preparation and administration of the District Plan.
6. Under the RMA, district plans are mandatory. They are to be prepared by territorial authorities in the manner set out in Schedule 1 to the RMA, having regard to the functions of territorial authorities (Section 31), the purpose of district plans (Section 72), matters to be considered by territorial authorities (Section 74) and the contents of district plans (Section 75).
7.  Council’s duties under Section 32 of the RMA to consider alternatives, assess benefits and costs etc are set out in the report “Hauraki District Plan – Assessment of Alternatives, Methods, Benefits and Costs (Section 32 Analysis)”.

Related Pages

2.1.1 Statutory Framework
2.1.1.1 Hierarchy Of Responsibilities
2.1.1.2 Resource Management Act 1991
2.1.1.3 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000
2.1.1.4 Conservation Management Strategy
2.1.1.5 National Environmental Standards
2.1.1.6 Relationship With Other Hauraki