Reform Series – A New Era for Resource Management
Reform Series – A New Era for Resource Management
Tuesday 10 February, 2026
On 9 December 2025, the Government introduced two Bills into Parliament which, together, are proposed to repeal and replace the existing Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA):
- The Planning Bill focusses on town planning and regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land;
- The Natural Environment Bill focusses on the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
Copies of the Bills can be found here - Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill - New Zealand Parliament.
Both Bills had their First Reading in Parliament on 16 December 2025. The Bills are now with Parliament’s Environment Committee who, following the close of submissions on 13 February, will consider public submissions on the Bills before making recommendations to Parliament on responses to those submissions. This report, due on 26 June 2026, should provide insight into the final shape of the Bills.
For details on the transition to the new regime to replace the RMA, please see our article: A faster transition to the new resource management system - what to expect.
Understanding the changes
To assist navigating the breadth of the changes proposed by the new Bills, we will be releasing a series of articles over the next few months which will explore key topics, including:
- The new regulatory relief regime;
- The roles and responsibilities of the new Planning Tribunal;
- Changes to the scope of effects to be considered;
- Refinement of public participation rights;
- The role of regional spatial plans.
Watch this space…
If you have any questions on the changes proposed under the new Bills, please contact one of our experts below.
