RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop reveals initial RMA Amendment Bill, targeting prompt system enhancements.

"This Bill prioritises swift, targeted changes to ease regulatory load on consent seekers," states Mr Bishop.

Key focus areas include supporting vital sectors like farming and mining, crucial for economic revival.

Bill streamlines National Direction alteration process, currently arduous, costly, and time-consuming.

Key Amendments in RM Bill 1

• Clarification on NPS-FM hierarchy adherence necessity suspension during review phase.
• Revision of stock exclusion rules on sloped terrain.
• Elimination of intensive winter grazing regulations.
• Consenting pathway alignment for coal mining with other mining activities.
• Suspension of SNA identification requirement for three years under NPS-IB.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasises profitability enhancement in primary sector as pivotal.

Regulations to be pragmatic, avoiding undue financial strain on farmers and growers, he stresses.

"Shifting focus from prescriptive to risk-based approach in stock exclusion and winter grazing regulations," McClay explains.

He underscores the importance of effective non-regulatory measures and collaborative efforts for success.

Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard advocates for farm-specific freshwater plans for tailored solutions.

Simplification and integration of existing environmental programmes into freshwater plans are underway.

The rollout of freshwater farm plans commenced in Southland and Waikato, expanding to other regions.

First RMA Bill will enact suspension of SNA identification, addressing concerns of excessive restriction.

Expected introduction of RM Bill 1 to Parliament in May, with subsequent passage this year.