09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1097 views
New Zealand is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills—a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill—to simplify land use regulation and better support farmers by reducing red tape, standardizing rules, and adopting a risk-based approach. The new system emphasizes property rights, fewer consents through flexible freshwater farm plans, and practical environmental management, aiming to lower costs and increase certainty for farmers while promoting sustainable practices. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with public consultation planned and laws expected by 2026 to foster economic recovery and environmental stewardship.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1056 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced a major overhaul of New Zealand’s planning rules aimed at boosting economic growth, job creation, and income levels by replacing the Resource Management Act with a more efficient, pro-growth system. The reforms, introduced through two new bills—the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill—are projected to save $13.3 billion in costs over 30 years and increase GDP by at least 0.56% annually by 2050, while strengthening property rights and reducing regulatory burdens. The Government plans to pass the legislation by 2026, inviting public input through the Select Committee process.
09 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1054 views
New Zealand is overhauling its Resource Management Act 1991 with a new planning system designed to simplify consents, speed up infrastructure and housing development, and strengthen property rights while protecting the environment. The reforms include fewer, faster plans, clearer national direction, mandatory regional spatial plans, and a new Planning Tribunal to reduce red tape and improve accountability, aiming to boost GDP by up to $3.1 billion annually by 2050. The government plans to introduce the bills to Parliament soon, with national policy direction and standards to follow, inviting public consultation through the Select Committee process.
25 Nov 2025
10 months ago
1148 views
The Government proposes major reforms to simplify local government by abolishing regional councils and replacing them with Combined Territories Boards composed of mayors, aiming to reduce duplication, costs, and complexity while enhancing accountability and regional collaboration. These Boards would lead locally-driven regional reorganisation plans to improve service delivery, infrastructure, and governance, with plans evaluated against criteria including financial responsibility, national priorities, local representation, and Treaty commitments. Consultation is open until February 2026, with the goal of establishing a more efficient, streamlined local government system that better serves communities and supports sustainable growth.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1145 views
WorkSafe New Zealand's funding management has been reformed to enhance accountability, transparency, and performance measurement, as confirmed by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. The change, influenced by the SageBush review and previous financial challenges, aims to improve resource allocation transparency and effectiveness without altering total funding. The funding will now be divided into five categories to prioritize functions aligned with Health and Safety System reforms, such as supporting best practices, enforcing compliance, authorizing activities, energy safety, and major hazard facilities oversight.
26 Oct 2025
11 months ago
1209 views
The New Zealand Minister for Resources and Regional Development delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Indigenous Geothermal Symposium in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the cultural significance and future potential of geothermal energy. New Zealand, known for its geothermal electricity production, has a deep connection to geothermal resources rooted in Māori heritage. The country is investing in supercritical geothermal technology, aiming to lead in sustainable innovation and global energy transformation.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1168 views
Resources Minister Shane Jones is prioritizing investment and collaboration in New Zealand's natural resources at upcoming international mining and geothermal conferences. He will address the growing interest in the country's mineral sector and highlight the policy framework supporting its growth. Mr Jones aims to rebuild international investor confidence, promote geothermal energy exploration, and seek global collaboration to maximize New Zealand's geothermal potential.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1247 views
The Government, led by Education Minister Erica Stanford, is implementing new curriculum updates, resources, and assessments to improve student achievement. The updated learning areas for English and Mathematics will be available from October 20, with other subjects phased in by 2028 to allow schools more time for planning. Additional support for teachers, including professional learning, resources, and assessment tools like SMART and PATs, will be provided to ensure student progress and parental awareness of their children's performance.
03 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1232 views
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have approved the Milldale housing project in Wainui, Auckland, which is expected to provide 1100 residential allotments and inject $595 million into the region over three years. The project aims to address housing shortages by creating jobs and streamlining development processes through the Fast-track Approvals Act. Minister Jones is collaborating with Minister Bishop on legislative changes to expedite regional housing projects and other developments in the pipeline.
22 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1406 views
New Zealand's Resources Minister Shane Jones praises the reintroduction of domestically sourced coal as a backup fuel for electricity generation, citing benefits for energy resilience and the Waikato regional economy. Genesis Energy's agreement with BT Mining to supply 240,000 tonnes of locally sourced coal to the Huntly Power Station diversifies fuel supply and reduces reliance on imported coal due to tightening gas supply. Mr. Jones emphasizes the importance of sourcing coal locally to safeguard against global disruptions, strengthen the fuel supply chain, and provide economic benefits for the Waikato region.
15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1262 views
The Government aims to enhance Eden Park's status as a major events venue by investigating potential changes to local rules that may be limiting its capabilities. Eden Park, New Zealand's largest major events stadium, contributes significantly to Auckland's economy through concerts and sporting events. The investigation will assess current restrictions, such as limits on the number and timing of events, with the possibility of modifying these rules under the Resource Management Act to stimulate economic growth and development.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1387 views
The speaker expresses gratitude for being at an event in Queenstown hosted by the Property Council, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the property industry. They acknowledge the challenges faced by the construction and property sectors due to inflation and economic cycles but highlight government initiatives to support recovery, including reforms to streamline building processes. The speaker outlines key pillars of the Going for Housing Growth program and upcoming Resource Management Act reforms aimed at facilitating development and addressing infrastructure needs, concluding with a mention of City and Regional Deals as strategic partnerships to drive economic growth and housing development.
02 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1308 views
A bill protecting marine farmers from costly consent reviews was passed, aiming to support the aquaculture industry's goal of generating $3 billion in revenue by 2035. The Resource Management Act amendments restrict council reviews of coastal permits until 2030, reducing bureaucratic barriers for industry growth. These changes aim to allow marine farmers to focus on innovation and growth rather than dealing with regulatory red tape and costs.
20 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1609 views
The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act, passed into law, has improved the freshwater farm plan system to make it more workable and affordable for farmers, reducing duplication and costs by allowing industry organisations to certify and audit plans. This change recognizes good work done by farmers and industry groups in managing risks, focusing on actual on-farm risks and practical actions to reduce them. The Act increases the minimum farm size requiring a freshwater farm plan to 50 hectares for certain land uses, removing the requirement for around 8,000 smaller, lower-risk farms, supporting environmental stewardship and growth in the primary sector.
14 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1599 views
The Government's second RMA Amendment Bill has passed into law, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation by removing roadblocks and cutting red tape in various sectors, such as infrastructure, housing, farming, and emergency management. The Bill introduces changes to streamline consent processes for renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector. It is part of a broader three-phase RMA reform program, with the full replacement for the RMA expected to be in effect by 2027.