Resource Management Act reform 2025

The story so far

Local environmental groups in Tairāwhiti criticised the proposed commercial forestry changes as a return to weaker regulation.^{31 May 2025} In June, the housing and RMA reform minister announced that Cabinet would add powers letting the government modify council plans that negatively affect economic growth, development or employment.^{18 Jun 2025} The Prime Minister said he was open to exploring whether regional councils should be scrapped to reduce the number of layers of government.^{23 Jun 2025} In July, the minister told councils to stop working on district and regional plans until the new legislation takes effect; the government says this saves resources, but councils say they were blindsided and warn of unintended consequences.^{16 Jul 2025}

Latest

The Marlborough District Council is going ahead with changes to protect airspace near its airport, despite the government policy pausing plan amendments under the RMA.^{18 Jul 2025} The council says the changes address safety concerns about buildings and frost fans.^{18 Jul 2025}

What's next

Environmental groups in Tairāwhiti were preparing to make submissions on the proposed reforms once the consultation period opened.^{31 May 2025}

Key moments

1. 29 May 2025Government opens public consultation on sweeping RMA reform discussion documents.
2. 31 May 2025Tairāwhiti environmental groups oppose proposed commercial forestry changes.
3. 18 Jun 2025Cabinet to gain powers to modify council plans affecting growth.
4. 23 Jun 2025Prime Minister open to scrapping regional councils.
5. 16 Jul 2025Councils told to halt district and regional plan work until new law.
6. 18 Jul 2025Marlborough council proceeds with airspace changes despite government pause.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.