Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government’s decision to stop existing and new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements from transferring into the new resource management system.

Last week, Federated Farmers called on the Government to end the rush by councils to sign Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements before the new planning system comes into force.

It made the same recommendation in its submission on the Government’s resource management reform legislation.

“We’re really pleased the Government has listened,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper said.

"Over recent months we've seen a big increase in councils rushing to sign these agreements before the law changes.

"That’s created uncertainty for farmers and raised serious concerns about accountability."

The Environment Committee has come back with its recommendations on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which will replace the Resource Management Act.

Alongside the committee's recommendations, the Government has agreed further changes to the legislation, including relating to Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements.

No existing or initiated Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements will transfer into the new planning system.

Instead, councils will be able to enter into more narrowly scoped iwi participation agreements with clear legislative guardrails.

“While there is absolutely a place for relationship agreements between councils and iwi, they need appropriate safeguards,” Hooper said.

“Decision-making powers that affect communities should remain with democratically accountable elected representatives.

“The new guardrails announced by the Government are an important step in ensuring that.”

Federated Farmers will now take the time to work through the Select Committee’s report, which runs to more than 500 pages, to fully understand the changes being proposed.

“At first glance, it’s extremely encouraging to see the Government has agreed to scrap the transfer of all Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements and replace them with more narrowly focused arrangements,” Hooper said.