Resource Management Act 1991 - Part 2 Purpose and Principles - Principles

Principles

Section 6 is a list of matters of national importance that shall be 'recognised and provided for' in achieving the purpose of the RMA;

• natural character of the coastal environment:
• outstanding natural features and landscapes:
• significant indigenous habitats and vegetation:
• public access to waterbodies:
• Maori culture, traditions, ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and taonga:
• historic heritage:
• recognised customary activities.

Section 7 is a list of matters that all decisions 'shall have particular regard to' in achieving the purpose of the RMA;

• Kaitiakitanga:
• stewardship:
• efficient use and development of natural and physical resources:
• efficiency of the end use of energy:
• amenity values:
• intrinsic values of ecosystems:
• quality of the environment:
• finite characteristics of natural and physical resources:
• habitat of trout and salmon:
• climate change:
• renewable energy.

Section 8 has the title “Treaty of Waitangi” and states that in achieving the purpose of the RMA, 'account shall be taken' of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.