John Kenel in The Post on the RMA reforms
Parliament has passed the Government's resource management reforms. The old RMA is replaced by two new laws: a Planning Act covering how land is used and developed, and a Natural Environment Act covering how the environment is used and protected.
The Post asked five people across the development and building sector whether the changes will actually get more houses built. The views were mixed. Some felt the reforms don't go far enough. Others expect a bumpy year while councils learn the new rules.
Assured Property founder John Kenel was positive about the direction.
"Politicians always say they are going to make it easier to build houses, but this government has been doing that, and the RMA changes look set to continue that process, and unlock more housing."
John has been building homes across Hamilton and Cambridge since 2004. His view is that New Zealand's biggest housing problem has never been the ability to build. It's been getting permission and infrastructure in place. He pointed to the lack of pipes and other infrastructure as the long-standing hold-up, and said the fast-track process is already helping speed that up.
The new regional plans will take time to develop, so the changes won't happen overnight. But we think they're a step in the right direction for Waikato and for New Zealand.
