Articles tagged with Natural Environment Bill
New Zealand Passes First Reading of New Planning Bills to Replace RMA in 2026
1 month ago | 340 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 committeeParliament Extends Resource Consents to 2027 Amid New Zealand’s RMA Reform Transition
1 month ago | 309 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
1 month ago | 287 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Government is implementing urgent legislation to extend existing consents and ensure a smooth transition from the outdated Resource Management Act (RMA) to a new planning and environmental management system.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
1 month ago | 541 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
1 month ago | 245 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
1 month ago | 246 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 growth