Resource Management Reform Series - Unpacking the changes to National Direction
Resource Management Reform Series - Unpacking the changes to National Direction
Wednesday 2 July, 2025
Stage Two of the Government’s phased approach to reforming the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is heating up with the Government’s release of the proposed changes to the national direction instruments on 29 May and 18 June. Given the importance of these instruments, they set the resource management direction for the nation which is then given effect to in the regional policy statements and regional/district plans, these changes will have notable impacts on both local authorities and those operating within the resource management sector.
Resource management reform recap
The Government’s phased three staged approach to reforming the RMA consists of:
Read: RMA Reform: A New Planning Framework with Property Rights at its Core
Phase 2 – National direction reform
Initially, Cabinet planned to amend 14 existing and create seven new national direction instruments as part of Stage Two. However, following the recommendations from the Expert Advisory Group, Cabinet has rescoped its approach to focus on targeted changes to selected national direction. Under the rescoped proposal, four new national direction instruments are proposed along with amendments to 12 existing instruments. While most of the proposed changes will be implemented under the current RMA framework, those changes that rely on the replacement resource management framework or plan changes under the RMA will be incorporated as part of Stage Three.
The rescoped changes to the national direction instruments are grouped into the following packages:
* Granny Flats (Minor Residential Units) - for more information on this proposal, and changes to the Building Act, see the article from Tompkins Wake Special Counsel Linda O'Reilly: Read here.
Consultation on packages 1 to 3 ends 27 July while consultation on package 4 ends 17 August. To make a submission on the proposals under the various packages visit Have your say | Ministry for the Environment.
Understanding the proposed changes
Given the breadth of changes being consulted on, and the creation of new national direction which will inevitably impose new restrictions for some previously unregulated activities, understanding the nature of the likely proposals and the potential impact will be vital. To assist with navigating this unchartered territory, we will be releasing a series of articles over the course of the next few months which will explore the different proposals for the national direction instruments in greater detail. Watch this space…
If you have any questions on the Government’s proposals to reform the national direction under the RMA or would like assistance with making a submission on the proposals, please contact one of our team below.
