Articles tagged with Environment
New Zealand Invests in Advanced Biosecurity Lab to Protect Primary Industries
6 days ago | 97 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing in a new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) at Mt Albert to enhance biosecurity, protect primary industries, and support economic growth. This modern facility will replace the aging MPI lab, strengthen defenses against biosecurity threats, and help maintain export market access critical to the $60.4 billion food and fibre sector. Construction, managed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and led by Southbase Construction, began with completion expected in 2028 and operation starting in 2029.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Chris Bishop Biosecurity Minister Infrastructure Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Crown Infrastructure Delivery Southbase Construction Plant Health and Environment Laboratory Mt Albert Research Centre New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Passes First Reading of New Planning Bills to Replace RMA in 2026
1 week ago | 142 viewsNew Zealand’s Parliament has passed the first reading of the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which together will replace the Resource Management Act 1991 with a modern planning system aimed at boosting economic growth, simplifying regulations, and protecting the environment. The Planning Bill focuses on reducing red tape, consolidating regional plans, and streamlining consents, while the Natural Environment Bill sets clear environmental limits and promotes proportionate regulation with respect for property rights and Treaty settlements. These reforms are projected to save $13.3 billion over 30 years, facilitate infrastructure and housing development, support primary industries, and are open for public input through the select committee process before aiming for enactment in 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA Reform Parliament environmental reform select committeeNew Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) Launches in NZ
1 week ago | 119 viewsThe Government has established the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) by merging four agencies to streamline housing, transport, urban development, and environmental reforms. MCERT aims to address New Zealand’s economic and environmental challenges through integrated planning, clearer accountability, and coordinated policy advice, improving outcomes for local government and communities. The new Ministry will be fully operational by July 2026, with a Chief Executive appointed earlier that year, enhancing efficiency and supporting ambitious reform agendas.
Tags: Chris Bishop Judith Collins Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Ministry of Cities Environment Regions and Transport New Zealand government housing reform urban development local government climate changeNew In-Water Cleaning Tech Helps Vessels Meet NZ Biofouling Rules This Summer
1 week ago | 158 viewsA new in-water cleaning technology developed by Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited, supported by Biosecurity New Zealand, will be used in Auckland this summer to help commercial vessels meet biofouling requirements and protect the marine environment. The system effectively cleans hard-to-reach areas on vessel hulls, reducing the need for offshore cleaning and minimizing disruption to passenger and cargo operations. Following successful trials and provisional approval, Biosecurity New Zealand aims to support vessel operators in complying with biosecurity measures while balancing commercial pressures.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Port of Auckland New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited NZDS biofouling vessel hull cleaning marine environment commercial vessels cruise shipsParliament Extends Resource Consents to 2027 Amid New Zealand’s RMA Reform Transition
2 weeks ago | 165 viewsParliament has passed the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill, extending existing or expired resource consents until 31 December 2027 to provide certainty for farmers, businesses, and councils during New Zealand’s transition to a new planning system. This temporary extension prevents costly and unnecessary replacement consent processes under the old Resource Management Act, aligning with ongoing reforms including the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill expected to extend consents to around 2031. The new legislation aims to support growth, housing, and environmental improvements by streamlining consent processes and introducing national standards during the transition.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Resource Management Act RMA Reform New Zealand Parliament Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill Resource consents RMA Amendment Bill New Zealand planning systemNew Zealand Extends Consents to Ensure Smooth Transition to New Planning System
2 weeks ago | 158 viewsThe New Zealand Government is implementing urgent legislation to extend existing consents and ensure a smooth transition from the outdated Resource Management Act (RMA) to a new planning and environmental management system. These transitional arrangements will extend consent expiry dates to around 2031, allow new consent applications under a streamlined process, and prevent unnecessary costs and uncertainty for consent holders during the transition. The reforms aim to reduce red tape, support growth, improve environmental outcomes, and provide certainty while the new system, established by the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, is fully implemented.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand RMA Reform Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill consents extension environmental management legislationNew Zealand’s New Planning System to Boost Renewable Energy Projects and Growth
2 weeks ago | 403 viewsNew Zealand’s Government is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new bills to streamline the planning system, aiming to accelerate renewable energy projects by cutting red tape and reducing costs. Energy Minister Simon Watts highlights that the reforms will provide clearer national policy direction, faster consents, and investor certainty, supporting a renewable electricity boom with 95% of future electricity from clean sources. The bills will be introduced to Parliament soon, with the goal of becoming law by 2026, and public input will be sought through the Select Committee process.
Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand Energy Minister Renewable Energy Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill Electrify New Zealand National Policy Statement Infrastructure CommissionNew Zealand’s New Planning System Cuts Red Tape for Farmers and Growers
2 weeks ago | 110 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill farmers growers farm plans agricultureNew Zealand's Planning Reform Boosts Growth, Cuts Costs, and Modernizes Laws
2 weeks ago | 129 viewsFinance 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.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA Reform Finance Minister economic growthNew Zealand’s New Planning System to Boost Growth, Simplify Consents & Protect Environment
2 weeks ago | 139 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Janette Campbell New Zealand Resource Management Act RMA Reform Planning Tribunal Environmental Defence Society Expert Advisory GroupNew Zealand Launches National Rural Recycling Scheme for Farm Plastics and Agrichemicals
3 weeks ago | 125 viewsNew Zealand’s Government has approved regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme that consolidates existing agrichemical and farm plastics programs into a single, free-to-use system to support sustainable farming and environmental protection. This industry-led initiative establishes a consistent product stewardship framework, encouraging shared responsibility among producers, sellers, and users to reduce waste and environmental impact while improving productivity. The scheme also extends benefits beyond farming, providing national take-back services for forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and local authorities, promoting safer and cleaner rural communities.
Tags: Penny Simmonds New Zealand Agrecovery Plasback Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Act farmers growers Environment Minister rural recycling schemeNew Zealand's New Wastewater Standards Cut Costs and Protect the Environment
3 weeks ago | 164 viewsNew Zealand’s new national wastewater environmental performance standards will streamline consenting processes for over 330 treatment plants, cutting costs by up to 40-60 percent and saving councils and ratepayers up to $830 million over 35 years. The standards use a risk-based approach to ensure strong environmental protection while enabling cost-effective solutions, addressing aging infrastructure and reducing unnecessary delays and over-engineering. Developed through extensive consultation, these flexible standards aim to ease ratepayer financial pressure, improve transparency, and support sustainable wastewater management starting December 2025.
Tags: Simon Watts New Zealand wastewater standards local government ratepayers environmental performance consenting costs councils infrastructure upgrades Taumata ArowaiGovernment Invests $80M+ in Transformative Research for NZ Economy, Health, Environment
1 month ago | 228 viewsThe Government will invest over $80 million in transformative research projects for New Zealand's economy, health, and environment, led by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti. The funding includes 107 Marsden Fund projects over three years to support established and emerging scientists in innovative research for lasting benefits. The diverse portfolio of funded projects ranges from cancer treatment advancements to geothermal energy utilization, reflecting the commitment to fostering breakthrough discoveries and driving transformative knowledge for New Zealand's future.
Tags: Government research projects New Zealand economy health environment Science Innovation Technology Minister Dr Shane RetiEnvironmental Protection Authority Chief Executive Dr. Allan Freeth Acknowledged for Decade of Service; Successor Search Begins
1 month ago | 193 viewsEnvironment Minister Penny Simmonds expressed gratitude for Dr Allan Freeth's ten years of service as Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), highlighting his leadership in implementing new risk assessment models and enhancing scientific expertise to improve decision-making efficiency. Dr Freeth played a key role in the establishment of the Fast-track process, aligning with the government's objective to facilitate prompt and well-informed decisions supporting New Zealand's development. The EPA Board will now initiate the selection process for a new Chief Executive to continue the organization's mission of providing timely, transparent, and reliable assessments for the benefit of the country and its environment.
Tags: Environment Minister Penny Simmonds Dr Allan Freeth Chief Executive Environmental Protection Authority EPA risk assessment models scientific expertise New Zealand EPA BoardSimplifying Science Funding in New Zealand for Greater Impact
2 months ago | 246 viewsDr Shane Reti announced the establishment of Research Funding New Zealand, a single board to simplify science funding decisions in New Zealand based on recommendations from the Science System Advisory Group. The new system aims to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, allowing researchers to focus more on impactful research, innovation, and economic growth. Public investment in science will be redirected towards key areas like the economy, environment, health, and technology, with a phased transition over four years to ensure continuity and minimize disruption.
Tags: Shane Reti New Zealand Science Innovation Technology Funding Research Economy Health Environment