End of year reflections for 2024
At this time of year everything seems to go crazy. Workloads escalate, members of the public become even more stressed heading into the Christmas break and we are in a time of enormous change. The Resource Management Act (RMA), which many of us have worked with and become familiar with is being replaced, central and local government jobs are at risk due to restructures, and we are having to grapple with big issues like climate change. At times like this it can feel as if we can’t do anything about it and that any effort we make as individuals will be meaningless.
But let’s stop and think about the positive, or as my grandmother used to say – smell the roses. Most of us will have some days off work at Christmas and can use the time to help recharge our batteries. It’s summer and we can spend the longer daylight hours outside walking, running, swimming, picnicking, eating fresh summer food, and all those other things summer in our wonderful country means to us. RMA amendment bill 2 includes some positive changes for those working in the compliance space. There will be less climate change contributions from winter fires and from commuting during the holidays, and every individual action towards lessening our contribution towards climate change does make a difference.
Always remember that our jobs in resource management are generally interesting and varied and every day you spend at work is making a positive difference to the environment or your community. And you are not on your own. Talk to your colleagues, your friends and your family. Ask for help if you need it – there’s no point in being staunch and keeping things to yourself. And listen to your colleagues if they need help.
Maybe you can ‘fight for what you think is right’. Talk to people about why regulation is essential, or about why we must take more action regarding climate change. Perhaps you could write submissions regarding the various proposed environmental or building law changes, either individually or as part of your organisation’s submissions. Or become more informed about the various challenges facing New Zealand, the Pacific and the World.
Celebrate your wins and successes, even if it’s just going out for a coffee and cake when you have finally managed to persuade someone to comply with the law.
And never forget – you are making a difference! If there were no planners to write plans and consents to ensure people carry out their activities in a manner that does not negatively impact the environment and their community, those negative impacts would escalate. And if the consents, the plan rules and the legislation are not enforced, their purpose is gradually eroded and as Cardinal Richelieu said “To pass a law and not have it enforced is to authorise the very thing you wish to prohibit.”
So celebrate the positive, even the small things, as we head towards the end of yet another complex year and remember the song from The Life of Brian - “Always look on the Bright Side of Life”.
Janet Whiteside – December 2024
