Two new Acts replace the Resource Management Act
Tuesday 29 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Chris Bishop, Simeon Brown
The Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act have replaced the Resource Management Act. The decision to split the previous law has faced criticism, particularly from environmentalists regarding the impact on environmental protection.
Key facts
4 facts
- The Resource Management Act has been replaced by the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act
- The new laws introduce ''regulatory relief', which may require compensation for developers if councils enforce environmental protections
- Agriculture, development, and construction are the sectors most likely to benefit from the new laws
- Labour intends to revise the legislation rather than repeal it, specifically regarding regulatory relief
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Resource Management Act has been replaced by two new pieces of legislation: the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act. These new laws split the management of the natural and built environments into two separate Acts.
The new legislation focuses on the enjoyment of private property rights. This includes a concept known as regulatory relief, which may require developers to be compensated if councils attempt to protect environmental features, such as wetlands, against a developer's wishes.
Critics have described the new laws as hasty and incomplete. Political reporter Fox Meyer suggested that, similar to fast-track legislation, amendments may be added to these laws in the future.
The Labour Party has stated it would not repeal the new laws but would instead revise them, specifically targeting the regulatory relief component. Sectors such as agriculture, construction, and development are expected to benefit from the changes.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and Newsroom.
