Two laws replacing the Resource Management Act have passed their third reading in Parliament, marking what the government describes as the most significant overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system in more than three decades. The legislation splits the outgoing framework into the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, aiming to make building infrastructure easier, faster, and more affordable.
According to RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, scrapping the outgoing system breaks free from regulations that have stifled economic growth. Speaking on the legislative shift, Bishop stated that the reforms restore property freedoms for citizens. At the heart of the changes, he said, is the enjoyment and use of people’s own land, which he labeled “the Kiwi dream.”
Did You Know? The outgoing Resource Management Act is being superseded by two distinct pieces of legislation: the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.
Infrastructure Overhaul Versus Environmental Protection
The legislative changes have drawn sharp divisions among political parties regarding property rights and environmental safety. Proponents argue that the previous system allowed unnecessary delays, while critics warn of severe ecological consequences.
ACT party infrastructure spokesperson Simon Court welcomed the passing of the bills, stating that the old framework let every individual block building projects. Court argued that the new legislation establishes that property owners have the freedom to use their land if they are not harming anyone else. Conversely, Greens’ environment spokesperson Lan Pham warned that the laws introduce a new era of environmental exploitation by polluting industries. Pham stated that the government ignored official advice, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, and 75 percent of submitters.
Regulatory Relief and Opposition Criticisms
A central point of contention in the newly passed legislation is the regulatory relief scheme, which requires councils to compensate landowners for rule changes that affect them. Rachael Brooking warned that this scheme will cause great expense and chaos for ratepayers, or else force local councils to abandon environmental protections altogether. Brooking added that a future Labour government would not reverse the reform entirely, but would instead pursue amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legislation is replacing the Resource Management Act? The RMA is being superseded by the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill.
What did the government say about the reforms? The government stated that the reforms are the most significant overhaul of the planning system in over three decades and will make infrastructure development easier, faster, and more affordable.
What concerns did opposition parties raise? Opposition parties warned that the changes could render the system unworkable, dilute environmental protections, allow environmental exploitation, and create severe financial burdens for ratepayers due to compensation rules.
How do you think local councils will manage the new compensation requirements under the regulatory relief scheme?
Keep reading