A reformed Resource Management Act is likely to benefit the Bay of Plenty as it is one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
Priority One chief executive Andrew Coker says the National government is moving in the right direction by freeing up the red tape that hampers quick growth.

The first stage of government's reform, the Resource Management Simplifying and Streamlining amendment Bill comes into force as law on October 1 and will see changes such as a reduction in use of the RMA as an anti-competitive measure, the creation of an Environmental Protection Agency and a process stream lining for projects of national significance.
Andrew gives this initial step a ‘B+' and thinks it realistically is as good a grade as could be awarded owing to the large number of people with a vested interest in the RMA, 'You would never satisfy the needs of all interest groups.”
Andrew says the biggest winner from the reforms for Tauranga will be the improved opportunity for commercial property investment.
'There will be less cost on smaller businesses and central city development of commercial buildings.”
This is important because there is 'limited ‘A' grade office space”. There is demand for better office facilities in Tauranga as made evident by the new Sharp Tudhope building on First Avenue.
An unlikely benefit from New Zealand's RMA and its reform has also occurred for Tauranga with international interest in it leading to a boost for the Bay economy. The new coastal marine research institute partnership between the University of Bremen and University of Waikato, that starts next year, has also shown interest in the RMA. A part of this $20 million German invested institute will be dedicated to study of New Zealand's RMA.
The recent naming of the Eastern Link Project as one of national significance is a strong indicator of the government's view that the Bay of Plenty is of economic importance to the country.
'The Bay is a fast growing region in the country so there's a high likelihood of more projects in the future.”
Having a less complex RMA and better targeted public submissions process will help to streamline future infrastructure projects and deliver significant economic benefit to the region faster.