Rauemi (Resources)
Rangitaki (Blog)
Six Climate Change Principles for Investment
The Climate Change Commission has sent a letter outlining six principles for the government to help guide investment decisions being made as part of the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are: Consider how stimulus investments can deliver long-term...
Adapting Land Development to a Changing Climate
The first national climate change risk assessment for Aotearoa NZ has been released. It identifies 43 priority risks with the following 10 most significant risks that require urgent action: Natural Environment: Risks to coastal ecosystems, including the intertidal...
Throwing the Champagne Out With the Cork
The NZ government has released New directions for resource management in New Zealand. Key drivers of the review were: The way we use land has proved to be unsustainableUrban growth is poorly managedLand use must change to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate...
Fast-track Consenting (shudder)
The government has announced that it will undertake a law change to fast-track eligible development. The details are still relatively light but the following types of projects have been singled out for priority at this early stage (my satirical comments added):...
The end of existing use rights?
The Plan Change 1 decision in Whakatane has revoked existing use rights for property owners in Matata. The plan changes are the culmination of work following a debris flow in 2005. The plan change was undertaken alongside a land acquisition process to enable managed...
Freshwater 2020 Report Released
Four issues have been identified: Our native freshwater species and ecosystems are under threatWater is polluted in urban, farming, and forestry areasChanging water flows affect our freshwaterClimate change is affecting freshwater in Aotearoa New Zealand A must read...
Testing Online Democracy
The COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 has made changes to the way Council meetings can be conducted while the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 is in force. It's likely to be in force until at least 25 June (unless revoked...
The rapid rise of Home Business
Under Alert Levels 3 and 4 many people will be working from home. But there are rules for this! Most District and City Plans will have requirements to manage the effects generated by working from home activities. This is just one area that the full consequences of the...
Can tourism and hospitality ‘pivot’ under the RMA
Tough times are ahead for tourism and hospitality but the UNWTO remains optimistic. The government have also created a Go with Tourism website to support the industry. But the fact remains, many tourism and hospitality businesses will need to change. Many will operate...
Excluding People Through Digital Engagement
The recently released Citizen's Advice Bureau Report Face to Face With Digital Exclusion has some incredible findings. As we move towards 'ePlanning' and RegTech frameworks we must remain mindful of those being left behind. This report highlights some obvious yet...