Government halts council planning work ahead of RMA overhaul

Wednesday 16 July 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Thu 17 Jul 2025, 10:55am

In this story Chris Bishop, Sara Templeton

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has instructed councils to stop working on district and regional plans until new legislation takes effect. While the government describes the move as a way to save resources, councils say they have been blindsided and warn of unintended consequences.

How they headlined it

17h

Wed 12:06pm3:44pm6pm

1. Waikato Times via The PressWed 16 Jul 2025, 12:06pm

   Embedding a ‘yes’ culture: The time of saying ‘no’ is coming to an end, Chris Bishop says (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 16 Jul 2025, 12:37pm

   Govt to halt 'pricey, pointless' council planning work ahead of RMA overhaul (opens in new tab)

   Also on 1News (opens in new tab)

   • Councils blindsided by government call to halt planning work (opens in new tab) Thu 17 Jul 2025, 10:55am
3. Otago Daily TimesWed 16 Jul 2025, 1:10pm

   Govt halting 'pricey, pointless' council work ahead of RMA overhaul (opens in new tab)

   • 'Pricey, pointless' council work halted ahead of RMA overhaul (opens in new tab) Wed 16 Jul 2025, 1:10pm
   • Concern govt plan to halt work will impede councils (opens in new tab) Wed 16 Jul 2025, 3:44pm
4. 1NewsWed 16 Jul 2025, 6:00pm

   Decision to halt planning work 'blindsided' councils (opens in new tab)