The proposed Waikato Regional Policy Statement has now finally been signed off, making it fully operative.

The RPS was voted in unanimously by elected members during April's full council meeting - six years after the policy was first notified for public consultation.

The Waikato Regional Policy Statement is will help councils manage the region's natural resources. Photo: File

Chairperson Paula Southgate says the full provisions of the RPS will be operative from May 20.

'I love the Waikato region: its beautiful natural environment, its vibrant city and towns, and the excellent services and opportunities. Looking after the health of our environment is especially important and, like me, the people of the Waikato have an amazing passion for it,” says Paula.

'The RPS provides certainty with a clear policy stance on how we manage our natural resources across the region in an integrated way.”

The document is a long term planning tool and sets the overall direction for the integrated management and protection of the region's natural and physical resources.

In line with the council's priorities, it promotes a collaborative and holistic approach to resource management.

'Importantly, the RPS will help the regional, city and district councils decide what needs to be done to keep and enhance the environmental conditions that drive our economy and provide us with the quality of life our region currently enjoys,” adds Paula.

In 2012 a ‘decisions' version of the RPS was released which received 37 appeals to the Environment Court against the provisions contained in the document. All of these appeals have now been resolved.

Paula says the length of the appeals process highlight the strength of the democratic process, New Zealand's independent legal system, and how long it can take councils to change rules and policies.

'At the end of the day we have a sound and solid basis for moving forward to develop the economic strength and well-being of our region, at the same time as protecting and enhancing the environment.

'A healthy environment is critical to our region's economy and ensuring everyone benefits from the quality of life most of us enjoy now.

'We all have a part to play, because it's only by working together that we can ensure our region's natural resources are protected for a better and brighter future,” says Paula.

For more information or to read the policy visit the Waikato Regional Council's the Waikato Regional Policy Statement webpage.

The Waikato region. Image: File