Chris Bishop, Simon Court: Better planning for growth and environment

"Alongside the Committee's recommendations, the Government has agreed further amendments to the legislation.

"One of those changes relates to Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

“The Bills as introduced provide that Mana Whakahono ā Rohe that existed or had been initiated prior to the Bills being enacted would transfer into the new system, but that there would be no provision for new ones.

Bob Edlin: Cultural caveat to planning consent.....

Cultural caveat to planning consent: trees can’t be toppled for solar power farm without local iwi coming in to pray

Kiwiblog has steered us to some fascinating Treaty-influenced how’s-your-father and regulatory nonsense in Hawke’s Bay .

Matua Kahurangi: Te Pāti Māori’s vile racism stains parliament once again

In a shaameful (sic) outburst in Parliament today, Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi spewed more anti-Pākehā venom, snarling at Pākehā MPs, “And you’re welcome that you get to live here at all.” The implication? They’re mere guests in New Zealand, tolerated only by her grace. This is raw, unfiltered racism on full display.

Hon Chris Bishop, Simon Court MP: Speech on replacing the Resource Management Act

Replacing the RMA

Hon Chris Bishop:

Good morning, it is great to be with you.

Can I first acknowledge the Resource Management Law Association for hosting us here today.

Can I also acknowledge my Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Simon Court, who is on stage with me. He has assisted me in establishing the initial framework for reform of the RMA that I plan to run you through today, as per the National Party and ACT Party coalition agreement to replace the RMA, so it is only right he assists me in giving this speech as well.

Damien Grant: Housing market so tightly regulated we’ve created landed gentry

Did you know it costs 50% more to build a house here than it does in Australia? I didn’t, and was surprised to see Chris Luxon promising to do something about it last week.

I mean, I know his party campaigned on housing affordability, but many of his supporters own property and if he does something about high house prices not everyone is going to be pleased.