Editing Resource Management Act 1991 (section)

== Significance ==

The adoption of the RMA was significant for three reasons. Firstly, the RMA established one integrated framework that replaced the many previous resource-use regimes, which had been fragmented between agencies and sectors, such as land use, forestry, pollution, traffic, zoning, water and air.<ref>Fisher, D. E. (1991), 'The resource management legislation of 1991: A judicial analysis of its objectives', in Resource Management, Brooker and Friend Ltd, Wellington, Vol. 1A, Intro 1–30. p 2, 2nd paragraph.</ref>

Secondly, the RMA was the first statutory planning regime to incorporate the principle of sustainability.<ref>Smith, G. (1997). [http://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/CanterLawRw/1997/5.html 'The Resource Management Act 1991 – "A biophysical bottom line" vs "a more liberal regime"; a dichotomy?'] Canterbury Law Review 6: 499–538, p 501.</ref>

Thirdly, the RMA incorporated 'sustainable management', as an explicitly stated purpose placed at the heart of the regulatory framework<ref>Harris, B. V. (1993) [http://www.nzlii.org/nz/journals/OtaLawRw/1993/3.html 'Sustainable management as an express purpose of environmental legislation: the New Zealand attempt'] – 'Otago Law Review' 8: 51–76.</ref> and this purpose is to direct all other policies, standards, plans and decision-making under the RMA.<ref>Fisher, D. E. (1991), 'The resource management legislation of 1991: A judicial analysis of its objectives', p 11, 2nd paragraph.</ref> Having the purpose of the RMA at the apex of an unambiguous legislative hierarchy was a unique concept worldwide at the time of the law's inception.<ref>Fisher, D. E. (1991), 'The resource management legislation of 1991: A judicial analysis of its objectives', p 11, first paragraph.</ref>