Resource Management Act Replacement

The story so far

In March 2025 the Government announced it would replace the Resource Management Act with two new Acts, aiming to simplify planning and cut administrative and compliance costs by 45 per cent.^{24 Mar 2025} The plan would cut land use zones from 1,175 to about 13, and economic analysis suggested a potential $14.8 billion benefit.^{25 Mar 2025} The Government confirmed it had decided to leave out the clause requiring Treaty principles to be upheld, and the Māori Development Minister said he was unaware of that decision.^{25 Mar 2025} In May 2025 discussion documents were released for public feedback, covering infrastructure, freshwater, housing and agriculture, and Tairāwhiti environmental groups criticised the proposed forestry changes.^{29, 31 May 2025} In June and July the Government said it would take powers to modify council plans that harm economic growth, the Prime Minister was open to exploring removal of regional councils, and councils were told to stop work on district and regional plans, which they said blindsided them.^{18, 23 Jun 2025; 16 Jul 2025}

Latest

In December 2025 the Government unveiled draft legislation for a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act to replace the Resource Management Act, with the new system intended to be active by 2029.^{9 Dec 2025} The reforms aim to lower building costs and speed up infrastructure, but may require councils to compensate landowners for significant restrictions, and environmental groups and Southern mayors have raised concerns about landscapes and native species.^{9, 10 Dec 2025}

What's next

The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill are scheduled to be sent to a select committee next week.^{9 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 24 Mar 2025Government announces plan to replace the RMA with two new Acts.
2. 25 Mar 2025Cabinet's decision to omit the Treaty principles clause is confirmed.
3. 29 May 2025Discussion documents released for public feedback on sweeping RMA changes.
4. 18 Jun 2025Cabinet to give government powers to modify council plans.
5. 16 Jul 2025Councils told to stop work on district and regional plans.
6. 9 Dec 2025Draft Planning Act and Natural Environment Act unveiled, aimed at 2029 start.
7. 9 Dec 2025Bills due to go to a select committee the following week.

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