20 Oct 2026
4 days ago
116 views
A Chief Freshwater Commissioner and five freshwater commissioners have been appointed to complete planning work under the Resource Management Act 1991 during the transition to the new planning system. “The appointments ensure the Freshwater Planning Process remains supported with appropriately qualified decision-makers during the transition,” Environment Minister Nicola Grigg says. Retired Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer has been appointed as Chief Freshwater Commissioner.
15 Oct 2026
1 week ago
204 views
Provisional data for Term 3 2026 shows the highest school attendance since 2022, with 52.2% of students attending regularly despite a tough flu season, marking a 1.7 percentage point increase from 2025. The government has implemented attendance management plans in all schools, escalating interventions based on absence days, supported by $140 million in additional funding and reorganized attendance services to improve effectiveness. The goal is to reach 80% regular attendance by 2030, emphasizing that consistent school attendance leads to better learning, health, and community outcomes.
09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
278 views
An investigation has been initiated to assess whether Christchurch planning rules hinder new housing, economic growth, and redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site. This follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to amend the District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site now that the new stadium, Te Kaha, is operational. The investigation, using powers under the Resource Management Act, aims to ensure planning rules support city growth by removing provisions that negatively impact development and employment.
08 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
291 views
The Government has completed the largest overhaul of national direction under the Resource Management Act, introducing new National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities (NES-ENA) and Telecommunication Facilities (NES-TF) to streamline and standardize rules, making it faster and more affordable to build and upgrade infrastructure. These reforms replace outdated, inconsistent planning requirements with clearer, nationally consistent rules that facilitate routine maintenance, upgrades, and the rollout of modern technologies like 5G, while reducing unnecessary consenting costs and delays. The changes, informed by extensive consultation, serve as a bridge to the new planning system and aim to support housing, infrastructure, energy, and primary sectors with improved environmental and development outcomes.
02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
380 views
Targeted amendments to New Plymouth’s District Plan will simplify building and development processes by removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers, thereby supporting economic growth and reducing costs. Following an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, which included public consultation and feedback, the government identified provisions negatively impacting development and decided to proceed with practical changes to various planning controls. These changes aim to improve planning system efficiency, maintain environmental safeguards, and foster investment and employment, with regulations currently being drafted for Cabinet approval.
02 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
314 views
A new weather radar site near Drumduan’s Horoirangi Peak has been selected to improve timely and accurate weather information for Nelson Tasman, addressing the region's limited radar coverage. Funded with up to $5 million by the government and expected to be operational by mid-2027, the radar will use advanced Doppler dual-polarisation technology to enhance rainfall estimates and weather monitoring. This initiative aims to strengthen New Zealand’s resilience to severe weather, aiding emergency management, councils, and communities in better preparing for and responding to disasters.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
275 views
The Government is updating the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan with industry-driven improvements to better identify and contain the disease affecting honeybee larvae. These changes include enhanced colony identification, improved reporting, and stronger compliance measures, while keeping costs and paperwork minimal for beekeepers. The updates aim to protect New Zealand's $426 million apiculture sector and support pollination services vital to the primary industry.
01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
410 views
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced changes to Wellington’s district plan to remove heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, and Miramar oil tank, while modifying height limits in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area to enable increased development. These changes aim to support investment, housing, and job creation, potentially allowing 550 additional apartments, generating $200 million, and creating around 1,400 jobs through construction and commercial activities. The former General Headquarters Building’s heritage listing will remain, and the reforms follow extensive investigation, consultation, and consideration of economic and heritage impacts.
30 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
293 views
New Zealand's Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 and establishing a new planning system aimed at simplifying development, enhancing environmental management, and providing greater certainty for communities and investors. The new system emphasizes upfront decision-making through national policy direction, consistent standards, and long-term regional spatial planning to guide growth, protection, and infrastructure over the next 30 years. Implementation will involve collaboration with councils, iwi, and stakeholders, supported by digital tools and a dedicated website, with key milestones including finalizing policy direction by 2027 and full system operation by 2030.
08 Sep 2026
1 month ago
439 views
New Zealand and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to enhance disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience by sharing expertise and best practices, reflecting their shared commitment to support communities affected by disasters. Both countries face similar natural hazards and have a history of partnership, with Japan recognized for its advanced disaster management systems, providing a valuable opportunity for mutual learning. This agreement strengthens regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific and aligns with New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency's broader international efforts alongside other countries.
28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
497 views
New Zealand has passed new legislation replacing the 24-year-old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 to create a modern legal framework addressing increasingly complex emergencies with clearer roles, improved powers, and stronger community and iwi Māori involvement. The Bill enhances national consistency, animal welfare during emergencies, and incorporates improvements from past inquiries, while most provisions will commence shortly after Royal assent with some delayed to allow phased implementation. This legislation supports a comprehensive, devolved approach across risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery, and is part of a broader effort including funding for advanced operational technology and a forthcoming review of the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan.
25 Aug 2026
2 months ago
641 views
A $9.7 million, four-year funding boost from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will support targeted wild goat and deer management to protect New Zealand’s national parks and native ecosystems. This investment enables ongoing control, monitoring, and eradication efforts across key conservation areas, including Whanganui, Waitōtara, Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, Westland Tai Poutini, and Fiordland National Parks. The programme aims to reduce browsing pressure, prevent reinvasion, and enhance long-term biodiversity outcomes by strengthening operational capabilities and building partnerships.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
517 views
Legislative amendments in the Emergency Management Bill will empower emergency authorities to take precautionary actions, such as clearing debris and opening river mouths, before a state of emergency is declared. The Director-General of Emergency Management will have the authority to direct local emergency bodies if necessary to protect lives and property amid increasing severe weather events. These changes aim to support local emergency teams while ensuring national intervention remains a last resort when communities face significant risks.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
617 views
Legislation changes will centralize fishing and fishery resource management under the Fisheries Act, removing councils' authority to regulate these activities to reduce confusion and streamline oversight. The new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act aims to support primary sector growth, simplify aquaculture consent processes, and enable ministerial decisions on aquaculture space to boost sustainable industry expansion. These reforms intend to enhance fishery sustainability, increase seafood availability, and create economic opportunities while maintaining local community involvement and transitioning existing council rules until 2030.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
574 views
The Government is making targeted amendments to the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill to create a faster, clearer, and more practical planning system that supports food and fibre production while protecting the environment. Key changes include simplifying environmental limits, extending the definition of existing use to 12 months for seasonal activities, and amending long-lived infrastructure permits to provide greater investment certainty. Additionally, the amendments strengthen biodiversity protections, allow councils to manage waterbody effects more flexibly, and aim to reduce complexity while maintaining environmental improvement.