Knowledge
Keeping it Fresh: Reforms to National Direction for Freshwater
Wednesday 23 July, 2025
The Government is consulting on proposed reforms to national direction for freshwater as part of Package 3 of its Resource Management Act reform programme. The proposals include changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM), the role of Te Mana o te Wai, and the National Objectives Framework.
Proposed Changes to Stock Exclusion Rules
Wednesday 23 July, 2025
As part of Package 2 of the national direction reform under the Resource Management Act, the Government is proposing an amendment to Regulation 17 of the Stock Exclusion Regulations 2020. The amendment would allow non-intensively grazed beef cattle and deer to access natural wetlands, in response to concerns about the compliance burden on extensive farming systems. Consultation is open until 27 July 2025.
Unlocking the Development of Māori Land
Thursday 17 July, 2025
The Government has released the proposed National Environmental Standards for Papakāinga (NES-P), aiming to provide consistent, enabling planning rules for the development of papakāinga on Māori ancestral and Treaty settlement land.
The Calm Before the Reform?
Thursday 17 July, 2025
Government has announced a landmark proposal in its staged reform of the Resource Management Act 1991. The Honourable Chris Bishop announced that Government proposes to amend the current Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Bill...
The Public Works Act 1981 and Its Review
Tuesday 8 July, 2025
The Government has announced a review of the Public Works Act 1981 aimed at modernising land acquisition processes and accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure. This article outlines the proposed changes, including streamlined procedures, new incentive payments for landowners, and implications for projects under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
From Floods to Faults: New National Policy Proposed
Monday 7 July, 2025
The Government has proposed a new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards, aiming to create a consistent, risk-based approach to managing natural hazard risk in new development. This article outlines what’s proposed, who it applies to, and what it means for councils, planners, and developers.