The coalition Government is proposing to extend the coastal permits of New Zealand ports for a further 20 years.
The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal permits to continue their operations.
These permits were for activities ports were undertaking at the time and had a duration of 35 years.
The existing permits are set to expire in September 2026. They cover crucial aspects of port activities like navigation aids such as buoys, lights and fog signals, exclusive occupation areas such as safe anchor areas, and some structures such as wharves.
They do not cover landside operations, discharges to water or air, or dredging.
The extension of ports’ coastal permits is part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says ports have expanded and obtained permits for new activities since the original legislation was introduced but the complexity of gaining permits for pre-1991 activities has become “increasingly difficult”.
“We are taking action to extend these permits by a further 20 years so that port companies have continued certainty for carrying out their activities.
“This is another example of how the Resource Management Act has created high levels of regulatory complexity and imposed compliance costs upon the New Zealand economy.
“Boosting productivity is a key part of our plan to rebuild the economy, which is why it is essential we extend port coastal permits to provide firms with the certainty they need to continue their operations,” Bishop says.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the move to extend port coastal permits represents the “crucial role” they play in our economy
“They provide essential connectivity to inland and overseas markets, and they generate jobs and support industries such as fishing and tourism.
“It is critical they have the certainty they need to operate effectively and do not face unnecessary regulatory costs,” Brown says.
“Over the next 20 years, all ports will have transitioned to permanent resource management arrangements,” he adds.
The proposed extension is expected to be included in the second Resource Management Act Amendment Bill to be introduced later this year.
The Government will be consulting with key stakeholders and iwi on the proposal in the coming months.
