Resource management reform phase two
The Government is proposing reforms to New Zealand’s resource management system. This page provides information on phase two of the Government’s reforms, the Resource Management Reform Bill 2012, and provides links to background documents.
Resource management reform 2013
Reform of the Resource Management Act 1991 is being undertaken in two phases.
The first phase was completed in 2009 and included streamlining and simplifying the RMA, sharpening how councils process resource consents, and setting up a system that allows nationally significant consent applications to be dealt with more quickly.
Further information about phase one is available on the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2009 web page.
The second phase is looking to further improve the RMA, and also resource management more broadly, including how fresh water is managed and used and an independent review of sections 6 and 7 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
As part of phase two of the resource management reforms, on 28 February 2013 the Government released a discussion document setting out its proposals on improving New Zealand’s resource management system.
Consultation on the discussion document closed on 2 April 2013.
During consultation over 50 meetings with the public and stakeholders, including hui and dedicated council meetings, were held around the country. The Ministry is working through submissions and providing advice to Ministers.
There will be further opportunity for public input to proposed reforms during the select committee process.
Resource Management Reform Bill 2012
The Resource Management Reform Bill 2012 was introduced to Parliament on 5 December 2012 and is being considered by Select Committee.
The 2012 Bill includes:
- a streamlined process for Auckland's first unitary plan
- a six-month time limit for processing consents for medium-sized projects
- easier direct referral to the Environment Court for major regional projects
- stronger requirements for councils to base their planning decisions on robust and thorough cost-benefit analysis.
A diagram showing the change in resource consent processes for medium-sized projects (six month time limit) is available [PDF, 284 KB].
The submission period for the Bill closed on Thursday 28 February 2013.
Why we need resource management reform
Effective resource management is critically important to New Zealand’s economic, environmental and social well-being. Resource management decisions need to ensure our natural and built resources are used and protected in a way that meets our needs now and well into the future.
The proposed reforms are designed to increase ease of use, certainty and predictability of the system, and reduce unnecessary duplication and cost. This needs to be done while improving important environmental and other outcomes and safeguarding the role of local government representing the interests of their communities.
Media statements
- Government starts next stage of RMA reform [Beehive website]
- Further RMA changes to help project planning [Beehive website]
- Government announces process for the first Auckland Unitary Plan [Beehive website]
Cabinet papers and regulatory impact statements
- RM 2012 Bill RIS Part 1 [PDF, 2.27 MB]
- RM 2012 Bill RIS Part 2 [PDF, 10.21 MB]
Background documents to resource management reform phase two
Research has been undertaken to inform the direction of resource management phase two. Documents on the following topics are available:
- Review of sections 6 and 7 of the Resource Management Act 1991
- Building Competitive Cities: Reform of the urban and infrastructure planning system
- Urban and infrastructure Technical Advisory Group Reports
- Cabinet papers (pre-2012)
Last updated: 7 May 2013
