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18: Possible defence in cases of unforeseen emergencies
or “You might not be in trouble if you had to break rules because of a sudden emergency you didn't expect.”
You could also call this:

“Rules for making decisions and plans in a quick, clear, and helpful way”

When you’re using powers or doing tasks under this law, you need to do a few important things:

You should try your best to use processes that are quick, work well, are the same for everyone, and don’t cost too much. These processes should match the job you’re doing.

When you’re making policy statements and plans, you need to be careful. Only put in things that are important for what this law is trying to do. Write them in a way that’s easy to understand and not too long.

You should also try to work together with other local authorities if you’re dealing with the same resource management issues.

Remember, all of these things are about making sure the law works well and fairly for everyone.

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Next up: 19: Certain rules in proposed plans to be operative

or “Some rules in proposed plans can start working right away, even before the whole plan is approved.”
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Part 3 Duties and restrictions under this Act
Procedure

18AProcedural principles

  1. Every person exercising powers and performing functions under this Act must take all practicable steps to—

  2. use timely, efficient, consistent, and cost-effective processes that are proportionate to the functions or powers being performed or exercised; and
    1. ensure that policy statements and plans—
      1. include only those matters relevant to the purpose of this Act; and
        1. are worded in a way that is clear and concise; and
        2. promote collaboration between or among local authorities on their common resource management issues.

          Notes
          • Section 18A: inserted, on , by section 9 of the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 15).