Resource Management Act replacement plan

The story so far

Ministers said the changes would reduce administrative and compliance costs by 45 per cent and cut land use zones from 1,175 to about 13, with economic analysis suggesting a potential $14.8 billion benefit.^{24, 25 Mar 2025} Economists suggested the reforms could improve housing supply and reduce prices if enacted.^{26 Mar 2025} The next day, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said he was unaware Cabinet had decided to leave the Treaty principles clause out of the proposed reforms, and RMA Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the clause would be omitted.^{25 Mar 2025}

Latest

Bishop has confirmed that the Treaty principles clause, which currently requires Treaty principles to be upheld, will not be included in the proposed reforms.^{25 Mar 2025}

What's next

The government intends to introduce the new legislation by the end of 2025.^{24, 26 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 24 Mar 2025Government announces plan to replace the Resource Management Act with two new Acts
2. 25 Mar 2025Land use zones to be cut from 1,175 to about 13 under the proposal
3. 25 Mar 2025Treaty principles clause dropped from RMA reforms; minister says he was unaware
4. 26 Mar 2025Economists say reforms could improve housing supply and lower prices

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