 The RMA replaced many laws regarding the environment, zoning, land and water use and many other issues and it provided one piece of legislation requiring developers (including state agencies) to have regard for environmental impacts and Māori and heritage values.Critics have since argued that the RMA gives too much power to opponents of development, who can slow down or halt projects even if they have no valid objections.Others have seen the RMA as a welcome means to prevent the destruction of sacred sites, heritage buildings and fragile ecosystems.