Second Time's the Charm: RMA Reform Clears Parliament
Second Time's the Charm: RMA Reform Clears Parliament
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third readings in Parliament late on 22 September 2026. The Bills, which together replace the Resource Management Act (RMA), now await Royal Assent, at which point they will become law.
Once Royal Assent is given, the transition from the existing RMA regime is expected to begin one month later. The RMA will continue to apply during that transitional period while the new regime established by the two new Acts is progressively rolled out. The Government’s intended timeline targets all land use and natural environment plans being notified by December 2029, with the new plans being fully operative by 2030.
Further information on the new regime, including what is changing, implementation guidance, key milestones and supporting resources, is expected to be published by planning.govt.nz in the coming months.
The RMA isn't gone yet – but once Royal Assent is given on the two new Acts, the clock on its transition to final cessation will start ticking.
