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Improving the Resource Management Act
Resource Management Amendment Act 2005
The Resource Management Amendment Act 2005 (RMAA2005) came into force on 10 August 2005.
You can download the Amendment Act in PDF format (PDF 164 KB) or read it on the knowledge basket website. The RMAA2005 is also available for purchase from Legislation Direct or selected retail outlets.
We have written a series of information sheets on the amendments to help explain how they change the RMA and what it means in practice.
In October 2005, as part of Talk Environment Roadshow, we provided training on the RMAA05. View the presentation from the RMAA05 workshops
In response to questions received at the RMAA05 workshops, we have updated our frequently asked ‘Questions and Answers’ that provide answers to questions people have already asked about the Amendment Act.
The Amendment Act was passed with amendments in the Supplementary Order Paper (text file) to the Bill as reported back by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee (PDF 542 KB). The changes to the Electricity Act were separated out.
- Supplementary Order Paper (text file)
- The Committee’s report and amended Bill (PDF 542 KB)
- Media release: Government's RMA changes back in Parliament this session
- Letter from Hon David Benson-Pope: Clause 6 & 7 of the Resource Management and Electricity Legislation Amendement Bill
- Media release: RMA changes reduce costs and delays
- Resource Management and Electricity Legislation Amendment Bill - First Reading Speech
- Media release: Package of improvements to RMA expected to pass first reading today
- Resource Management and Electricity Legislation Amendment Bill (text file)
- Regulatory Impact Statement: Package to improve the Resource Management Act 1991
- Proposed Amendments to the Electricity Act 1992
- Media release: Government welcomes RMA Bill changes
2004 Review Programme
In September 2004 the Government announced a comprehensive package of measures designed to improve the working of the Resource Management Act (RMA) following a four-month review.
- Cabinet paper “Improving the Resource Management Act 1991” - CAB Min (04) 30/10
- Minister's speech: Improving the RMA
Comments on the proposed RMA improvements closed on 4 October 2004.
- Summary of feedback received on the proposed changes to the RMA
- Names and organisations of submitters on the proposed changes to the RMA
- Questions and answers from meetings on the proposed RMA improvements
The Bill was introduced into Parliament on 16 December 2004 . The Local Government and Environment Select Committee received and considered 322 submissions and presented their report on the Bill (PDF 542 KB) back to Parliament on 20 June 2005.
Background to the review
The Government is seeking to provide greater certainty and efficiency in the way that the Resource Management Act (RMA) operates, while not sacrificing public involvement and protection for our environment. The programme of work focused on finding solutions to problems identified through consultation with business, local government, environmental organisations and the broader community throughout 2003 and 2004. The Government determined a set of principles to guide the direction of the review and decision making about options to improve the law and practice.
