New Zealand is moving forward with major resource management reforms after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill were reported back from the Environment Committee with changes aimed at creating a simpler and more effective planning system.
Resource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court said the updated legislation is designed to replace the existing Resource Management Act with a framework that supports housing development, infrastructure projects, renewable energy expansion and economic growth while maintaining environmental safeguards.
The Government says the proposed planning system could deliver significant economic benefits by reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency. Independent analysis has projected additional economic growth, while fewer consent requirements could reduce the regulatory burden for businesses, communities and local authorities.
Under the revised system, officials estimate that a large proportion of existing consent and permit applications could be removed, reducing the number of approvals required for development activities compared with the current framework.
The Environment Committee considered submissions from communities, organisations and businesses over several months and recommended changes intended to improve implementation while keeping the core structure of the reforms. The Government has supported these recommendations and agreed to additional amendments.
One major change concerns Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements between councils and iwi authorities. Existing and initiated agreements will no longer automatically transfer into the new planning system. Instead, councils will have the option to create more narrowly focused iwi participation agreements that outline involvement in statutory planning processes.
The Government is also reviewing options related to Waikato’s Plan Change 1 following concerns about implementing major regional changes while the broader planning system is undergoing reform.
The updated legislation will maintain a two-Bill structure, with national direction guiding planning decisions, more consistent rules, reduced consenting requirements and a stronger focus on managing significant environmental effects.
Changes introduced through the committee process aim to improve recognition of land use, food and fibre production, infrastructure needs and urban development opportunities. The reforms also strengthen safeguards around natural resource levies and remove proposed market-based allocation methods in favour of a first-in, first-served permitting approach.
The Natural Environment Bill has also been adjusted to provide greater certainty for farmers and primary producers, simplify wildlife approval processes and ensure environmental limits are practical and balanced with social and economic considerations.
Officials have extended the transition period for the new planning system from 30 to 39 months to give councils and planning professionals more time to prepare for implementation.
The Government says the reforms will create a more predictable planning environment that supports economic development while protecting New Zealand’s natural environment. The Bills will now progress to their second reading in Parliament as the next stage of the legislative process.
