The smoke-and-mirrors job on Resource Management Act reform is letting down our future generations, says UnitedFuture Leader Hon Peter Dunne.

“This is a Bill rushed from Select Committee back to the House just to be rushed back into Select Committee on the basis of political bargaining meaning that there is limited time to review or consider the nature of this deal.

“It would truly be worrying for our democracy if the Select Committee process was being used to facilitate political, rather than public interests.

“That would indicate politics taking precedence over the people who are meant to be represented by us,” said Mr Dunne.

“UnitedFuture has consistently opposed weakening the environmental principles in the Resource Management Act.

“At the First Reading of this Bill UnitedFuture refused to support it because the Bill complicated planning procedures, expanded Ministerial powers at the expense of local communities and otherwise added impractical elements to our resource planning regime.

“That position is not inconsistent with streamlining processes and allowing for more flexible plans to be made to alleviate housing or building concerns.

“UnitedFuture has always been open to collaborating with any party on matters such as these, but unfortunately, the process the Government has chosen to take on this particular Bill has not allowed that type of constructive discussion to occur at this stage.

“With this Bill going back to Select Committee once more for consideration we urge those who care about the long term of our environment and country to make their voices heard to Parliament and help us ensure that we balance our environmental values with our need to develop and grow,” Mr Dunne concluded.