If you’ve been in the development game long enough, you’ll know one thing for sure: there’s no silver bullet when it comes to planning reform. And while the Government’s overhaul of the Resource Management Act (RMA) is being pitched as a game-changer, the reality is more nuanced – and more complex.
Change Is Coming – But the Road Is Winding and Potholed
The RMA is being replaced by two new pieces of legislation: The Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act. These aim to streamline planning processes, improve environmental outcomes, and enable more housing and infrastructure development. Property rights will be strengthened with the focus of assessment on ‘off-site’ effects. The Planning Act aims to simplify processes by having less planning documents with nationally standardised zones and rules. But here’s the catch: we’re entering a multi-year transition period. The new system is expected to be passed into law by mid-2026 and take effect in 2027; but implementation will take time. Councils will need to develop new regional plans, align with national direction, and adapt to standardised land-use zones. That means uncertainty and complexity will persist for several years.
Housing vs. Environment: The Eternal Tension
The Government’s dual goals of enabling more housing and protecting the environment are noble, but they’re often in conflict. Unlocking land for development inevitably raises questions about productive land, biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. The new legislation will attempt to balance these priorities, but in practice, trade-offs will be unavoidable. Developers will need to navigate this tension carefully, and that’s where expert planning advice becomes critical.
Infrastructure: The Key to Unlocking Land
The reform also promises to make infrastructure easier to deliver, which is essential for unlocking development-ready land. But let’s be clear: New Zealand has a lot of catch-up to do. Years of underinvestment mean that even with streamlined consenting, infrastructure delivery will remain a bottleneck. Developers should be proactive in understanding infrastructure constraints and opportunities early in the planning process.
2026: Another Election, Another Shake-Up?
Let’s be honest – politics drives planning. With a general election looming in 2026, there’s every chance we’ll see further tinkering, or even wholesale changes, to the new system. Developers need to plan with flexibility and resilience in mind.
And Don’t Forget Local Government Reform
On top of RM reform, local government reorganisation is also on the table through the Local Government (Systems Improvement) Amendment Bill. Any changes to council structures or responsibilities could have major implications for consenting, infrastructure funding, and plan-making. It’s another layer of complexity that developers can’t afford to ignore.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Ahead
At Hayson Knell we’re not just watching these changes – we’re embedded in them. We’re tracking every legislative update, engaging with councils, and advising clients on how to adapt. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, talk to the planners who’ve seen it all – and are ready for what’s next.
