EDS has received the Resource Management Law Association’s best publication award for its book ‘Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and Solutions’, authored by EDS Reform Director Dr Greg Severinsen. The award was presented at the RMLA’s annual conference dinner on Friday.
“It’s a real honour to receive this recognition,” said Dr Severinsen. “EDS has been heavily involved in replacing the RMA for over a decade, and in many ways this publication is the culmination of that work.
“The book addresses the biggest risks from the current government’s reform agenda, which is based on the enjoyment of property rights. It covers seven core themes, including regulatory takings, standardisation, environmental limits and splitting up the RMA.
“We looked overseas to learn important lessons from jurisdictions like the UK, Ireland and Singapore, and considered what the evidence is telling us, rather than just cherry-picking anecdotes.
“The RMLA awards committee noted the quality of the research and analysis, the clarity of communication, and the usefulness of the publication for policy makers and practitioners.
“We’re really pleased the book has, over the past year, helped to shape both the public and parliamentary debate around the Natural Environment and Planning Bills, which are set to become law in the coming days.
“The government has chosen to ignore many of the warnings and solutions in the book. But it remains an extremely relevant resource to avoid pitfalls in implementation, and a blueprint for any future government open to sensible and necessary changes. The RM reform story is far from over.
“A big thanks to the RMLA for recognising this work, at what is a really pivotal point in time for the resource management community,” concluded Dr Severinsen.
Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and Solutions can be downloaded electronically at https://eds.org.nz/resources/documents/reports/replacing-the-resource-management-act-risks-and-solutions/