RMA overhaul: Shape of replacement legislation revealed…

25th March 2025 By Paul Yandall | paul@propertyticker.co.nz | @propertyticker

The government has revealed the high-level design of its Resource Management Act overhaul, with the new system aimed at liberalising the planning system and making development easier.

Cabinet has now signed off on what Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court said was the shape of the government’s two-act replacement legislation.

These would comprise a Planning Act, focused on regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land, along with a Natural Environment Act, which will look at the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment. 

The overhaul also sought to streamline planning systems between councils, providing for more standardisation of consenting and increase the number of “permitted” activities – similar to the now rolled-back reforms undertaken by Labour.

“Both acts would include starting presumptions that a land use is enabled, unless there is a significant enough impact on either the ability of others to use their own land or on the natural environment,” the government’s Blueprint for resource management reform document released on Monday stated.

This would include “clear protection for lawfully established existing use rights, including the potential for the reasonable expansion of existing activities over time where the site is ‘zoned or owned’”.

“Cabinet has now agreed on the shape of the government’s replacement legislation, signalling a radical transition to a far more liberal planning system with less red tape, premised on the enjoyment of property rights,” Bishop said. 

“Turning our economy around requires changing the culture of ‘no’ that permeates decision making in New Zealand. 

“Whether it’s aquaculture off the coast of the South Island or a new green building replacing a heritage gravel pit next to a train station in the centre of our biggest city, the RMA has obstructed growth instead of enabling it. 

“That’s all about to change.”

Standardised zoning would be a key feature of the new system, with each act requiring a single regulatory plan per region.

“Right now, every individual council determines the technical rules of each of their zones. Across the country there are 1,175 different kinds of zones. In Japan, which utilises standardised zoning, they have only 13,” Bishop said.

“Standardising these zoning rules will take pressure off ratepayers and make it easier to build more homes for Kiwis. 

“It will also enhance local decision making, allowing elected local representatives to focus more time on deciding where development should and should not occur in their community, and less time on the enormous amount of technical detail that goes into regulating that development.”

The government’s Blueprint for resource management can be read here and resource management reform fact sheet here.