The past, the present and the next rotation – reflections of a regional council Environmental Protection Officer

Authors: Mathew McCormick
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2025, Issue N.Z.J.For. 69(4) 2025, pp Pages 34-37, Feb 2025
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: In this paper Mathew McCormick, former Environmental Officer at the Marlborough District Council, outlines some of the response to the intensive weather events in the region in 2021–2022. In particular, he looks at the difficulties regional councils have in working quickly to grant consents (or other approaches such as time waivers or defences) post-emergency events. It concludes with a discussion on how Education, Enabling and Engagement are necessary features in making the relevant legislation workable for local communities.

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