Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement (October 2000)

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1  Introduction

1.2  The Resource Management Framework

1.2.2 Functions and Powers

The RMA gives central government, regional councils and territorial authorities a number of powers, functions and duties. Central Government's role is mainly one of providing an overview and monitoring, although it has retained some areas of direct resource management responsibility. While regional councils and territorial authorities have responsibility for the management of natural and physical resources within their areas, central government may, from time to time, set national policy to guide local government decision making.

The resource management functions of regional councils are set out under s30 and s62(1)ha of the RMA (see Appendix 1). These functions include developing objectives and policies relating to the integrated management of the Region's natural and physical resources and the effects of the use, development, or protection of land which are of regional significance¹. Regional councils are also responsible for:

1. soil conservation
   
2. control of the coastal marine area (in conjunction with the Minister of Conservation)
   
3. maintenance and enhancement of water quality
   
4. control of the taking, use, damming and diversion of water and the control of the quantity, level and flow of water
   
5. control of discharges of contaminants into or onto land, air, or water and discharges of water into water
   
6. control of matters relating to the beds of water bodies
   
7. taking or use of geothermal energy
   
8. avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards
   
9. management of hazardous substances.

Territorial authorities’ functions under the RMA² include:

1. the preparation of objectives and policies for the integrated management of the effects of the use, development and protection of land and associated natural and physical resources
   
2. control of the effects of land use, including the implementation of rules for the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards and the management of hazardous substances
   
3. control of subdivision
   
4. noise control
   
5. control of activities on the surface water of rivers and lakes.

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Footnotes

1. Environment Waikato is unable to prepare regional rules for the integrated management of natural and physical resources and the effects of the use, development, or protection of land of regional significance (RMA, s68). Note, not all resource management issues will be considered to be of regional significance.
2. RMA, s31 (see Appendix 1).