Articles tagged with Expert Advisory Group

New Zealand’s New Planning System: Simplified Local Government & Faster Decisions

4 hours ago | 31 views

New Zealand’s new planning system aims to simplify local government processes by reducing complexity, cutting duplication, and delivering faster decisions through stronger national direction and fewer regional plans. The reform will replace over 100 existing policy statements with 17 regional combined plans developed in two years, aligning with proposed local government reforms to create simpler, more efficient governance structures. The government plans to introduce the related bills to Parliament soon, with national policy finalized within nine months and public consultation open until February 2026.

Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Watts New Zealand RMA Reform local government planning system Resource Management Act regional councils combined territories boards Expert Advisory Group

New Zealand’s New Planning System to Boost Growth, Simplify Consents & Protect Environment

4 hours ago | 34 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.

Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Janette Campbell New Zealand Resource Management Act RMA Reform Planning Tribunal Environmental Defence Society Expert Advisory Group