RMA Guidelines to Aid Farmers

John Bluett believes most dairy farmers will find value in new guidelines aimed at helping them with the Resource Management Act (RMA).

“Dairy farmers have to deal with the RMA through the resource consent process every day,” Mr Bluett, vice chairman of Federated Farmers national dairy section, said. “There will be situations where dairy farmers will find this guide useful, whether it is improving their farm operation, subdividing land or assessing their right to farm.”

Dairy Industry Guidelines for Developing RMA Policy, developed by DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and Fonterra in consultation with farmers, includes policy explanations plus checklists and worksheets.

“Probably the biggest thing about the guide is that it gives us a sound basis to go through the RMA policy process,” Mr Bluett said. “This will make the process more consultative with council because it takes into effect everyone’s situation in the community.”

The checklists and worksheets have been designed to ensure farmers are addressing all the major aspects of the Resource Management Act when preparing submissions.

“It is a systematic tool so that we won’t miss any critical points out of our submissions,” Mr Bluett said.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with dairy farmers. The aim is to make it easier for dairy farmers and their advocates to get involved in the early stages of RMA policy development.

The new guidelines can be downloaded from www.dairynz .co.nz or www.fedfarm.org.nz.

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