Articles tagged with Waikato Regional Council

Hamilton District Plan Review: Consultation on Housing and Development Provisions

1 week ago | 136 views

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched a public consultation on specific provisions in the Hamilton City Operative District Plan that may unnecessarily increase development costs and complexity, particularly affecting social and affordable housing. The review focuses on rules related to electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, deep soil planting, urban tree canopy, and building design controls, aiming to ensure planning regulations support economic growth and housing supply. Consultation runs from 24 August to 7 September 2026, after which officials will analyze submissions and advise the Government on potential regulatory changes under the Resource Management Act.

Tags: Chris Bishop Hamilton City Council Waikato Regional Council Waikato District Council Waipa Council Ministry for the Environment RMA Reform Resource Management Act MCERT

Te Huia Passenger Rail Service Extended for One Year by NZ Transport Agency

6 months ago | 886 views

Rail Minister Winston Peters welcomes the New Zealand Transport Agency’s decision to extend the Waikato-Auckland passenger rail service Te Huia by one year. The service, funded to refurbish carriages and build a depot, faced challenges due to Covid-19 but has since gained strong patronage and high customer satisfaction. The extension allows for a fair assessment of the service, which has become a key commuter and city connector.

Tags: New Zealand Transport Agency Te Huia Rail Minister Winston Peters KiwiRail Hamilton Waikato Regional Council commuter rail service

Government Acts to Prevent 'Stop Work' Order for NZ Farmers: RMA Reform Bill Update

1 year ago | 1189 views

The Government has intervened to prevent potential stop work notices for thousands of New Zealand farmers due to water discharge rules under the RMA, affecting 2,800 Waikato farms. Various regional councils raised concerns, leading to amendments broadening permitted water discharges in the Resource Management Amendment Bill. The changes aim to support farmers, ensure water quality improvement, and avoid hindering economic recovery, with the bill set to pass into law soon.

Tags: Chris Bishop Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Government New Zealand farmers RMA Reform Minister Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister Waikato Regional Council Resource Management Amendment Bill