The New Zealand Government has introduced two landmark bills to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA):
- The Natural Environment Bill – focused on environmental protection and enhancement.
- The Planning Bill – focused on the use development and enjoyment of land.
The new planning system has been anticipated for some time and is intended to enable development and economic growth while safeguarding the natural environment. The bills aim to cut through the ‘red tape’ of the current resource management regime. You can see our previous reporting on the bills here.
Our environment law experts outline and summarise the key features of the proposed framework which represents a significant shift from the current resource management regime.
If you would like to discuss any of the points outlined in the guide, or if you need assistance making a submission before the 13 February 2026 deadline, please do get in touch.
Click here to download the Resource Management Guide 2026.
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