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July 2020New Directions for Resource Management in New Zealand is a comprehensive review of our resource management system. The review process was an opportunity to design a new system for resource management that delivers better outcomes for our environment, society, economy, and culture. Read more -
June 2001This report is a step-by step guide to preparing emission inventories in New Zealand. It contains information on the purpose, process, methodology and application of emission inventory investigations. Read more -
June 2007This plain English brochure contains information about PM10 air pollution and how it is monitored, and the national environment standards for air quality. Read more -
July 2008This leaflet provides an overview of the proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. The NES came into effect on 1 July 2011. Read more -
March 2011This New Zealand Domestic Solid Fuel Burner Authorisation Manual provides details of the national authorisation procedures required for the sale of compliant domestic solid fuel burning appliances. Read more -
August 2001This guide provides guidance on the benefits of clear visibility, the contaminants and factors affecting visibility, suitable monitoring methods, potential indicators of visibility degradation, and how emissions causing visibility can be managed in New Zealand. Read more -
July 2020This summary outlines the principal reasons which led to the review of the resource management system and the Resource Management Review Panel’s main recommendations in their report. Read more -
August 2011The National Air Quality Compliance Strategy sets out the practices regional councils could adopt to meet the air quality standard for PM₁₀ (particulate matter less than 10 micrometres) and thereby deliver clean healthy air for all New Zealanders. Read more -
June 2020This factsheet provides a high-level overview of the new freshwater planning process (FPP) introduced by the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020. Read more -
May 2017This report assesses the structure and format of regional rules, and how they vary around New Zealand. Read more -
May 2017This report examines the use of spatial planning tools across New Zealand and identifies commonalities and differences. Read more -
April 2009This document provides best practice guidance on ambient (outdoor) air quality monitoring and data management in New Zealand. Read more -
November 2016This guide outlines good practice in assessing and managing odours that cause offensive and objectionable effects in New Zealand. Read more -
May 2017This 2013 report identified practice and trends in the structure, format and electronic delivery of RMA plans in New Zealand. Read more -
June 2004The Good Practice Guide for Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling provides good-practice protocols for carrying out atmospheric dispersion modelling in New Zealand. Read more -
May 2017This report examines urban zone provisions within district plans throughout New Zealand to better understand the most commonly used provisions and the key differences in the core urban zones. Read more -
June 2003Every two years the Ministry for the Environment carries out the Resource Management Act (RMA) survey of all local authorities in New Zealand. The survey includes questions about six key aspects of RMA process. Read more -
November 2016This guide outlines good practice recommendations for assessing air quality in New Zealand, mainly for the purpose of resource consent applications. It provides a practical and reasonable approach to managing discharges to air from industry. Read more -
June 2008This is one in a series of information sheets providing a snapshot of the data in Environment New Zealand 2007, the second national-level state of NZ’s environment report. Each information sheet also provides tips about what you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. Read more -
June 2008This is one in a series of information sheets providing a snapshot of the data in Environment New Zealand 2007, the second national-level state of NZ’s environment report. Each information sheet also provides tips about what you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. Read more -
May 2017This paper gives an overview of the new National Planning Standards tool. Read more -
September 2020A new fast track process for more straightforward applications (district land use activities) has been introduced by RLAA. Read more -
December 2014This guide will help practitioners understand and implement new provisions that determine the timeframes for decision-making on fully and limited notified resource consent applications. Read more -
December 2014This guide will help practitioners understand and implement new provisions concerning the required content of resource consent applications under section 88 and Schedule 4 of the RMA. Read more -
September 2020A new step-by-step process to determine whether to give public or limited notification of resource consents has been introduced by the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017. Read more -
May 2017This report studies five districts (Kaipara, New Plymouth, Taupo, Waimakariri and Clutha) to understand why district councils use ‘effects-based’ plans, and the usability and outcomes of such plans. Read more -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This sheet outlines new mechanisms for direct referral, requests for independent commissioners and restricted coastal activities decisions. Read more -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising the main changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This fact sheet outlines the roles, functions and powers of the new Environmental Protection Authority. Read more -
March 2018A new streamlined planning process (SPP) was introduced by Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which took effect on 19 April 2017. This flow chart shows the steps involved in the Streamlined Planning Process. It should be read in conjunction with the SPP technical guidance. Read more -
October 2009This is one in a series of fact sheets summarising the main changes made by the Resource Management (Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Act 2009. This fact sheet outlines new tools to reduce vexatious and frivolous appeals and appeals motivated or backed by trade competition. Read more -
April 2018Mana Whakahono ā Rohe is a new tool designed to assist tangata whenua and local authorities discuss, agree and record how they will work together under the Resource Management Act. This guidance explains how the legislation can be implemented and provides ideas about what could be included in a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe arrangement. Read more -
October 2009This report updates the cost-benefit analysis of the National Environmental Standards (NES) on Air Quality undertaken in 2004. Read more -
November 2016This guide provides information on how to assess and manage dust emissions from sources such as quarrying, aggregate crushing, abrasive blasting, sealed and unsealed surfaces, and material stockpiles. Read more -
April 2012This users’ guide explains the regulations and provides guidance to territorial and unitary authorities on implementing the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health. Read more -
April 2017Note: Information in these factsheets may be out of date as a result of the Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 Read more -
May 2017This document gives a review of the electronic delivery of planning, and planning systems in five jurisdictions identified by the Ministry for the Environment . Read more -
October 2009To better understand the challenges faced by large resource consent applications, the Ministry commissioned a review of resource consent applications by TrustPower Ltd to construct and operate a hydro power scheme on the Wairau River, Marlborough. This report presents the review findings. Read more -
July 2020The COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 enables eligible infrastructure and development projects to start as soon as possible. This fact sheet provides an overview for local authorities. Read more -
August 2017The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) mark a significant change in the way forestry activities are managed under the Resource Management Act. This brochure provides an overview of the regulations for the councils and foresters. Read more -
April 2017This guide will help practitioners and decision-makers undertake good practice section 32 evaluations. Read more -
June 2008This Good Practice Guide for Assessing Discharges to Air from Land Transport provides comprehensive guidance on how to consider air quality impacts from transport development. Read more -
July 2020This document provides guidance for applicants who wish to apply to the Minister for the Environment for their project to be referred to an expert consenting panel under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. Read more -
November 2018This report assesses how well we are developing and maintaining the regulatory regimes we are responsible for, including the state of each piece of legislation, any plans for amendments, and our view of important emerging issues. Read more