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Resource Management Act (RMA) Stories - Page 2

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Resource Management Act (RMA) stories

A deep dive into RMA reform
Sustainability

A deep dive into RMA reform

Business faces a faster, narrower consenting regime as ministers unveil bills to replace the RMA by mid-2026.

By Staff Writer • 11 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026
How much more will we sacrifice for housing?
Software-as-a-Service

How much more will we sacrifice for housing?

Housing targets could erode New Zealand’s food-producing base, as experts warn losing LUC3 land would lock in permanent damage to supply and exports.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Tue, 22nd Jul 2025
Quarry industry argues for naturally-sourced sand
Sustainability

Quarry industry argues for naturally-sourced sand

New Zealand faces higher costs for homes and infrastructure unless councils protect natural sand supplies as manufactured material covers only a fraction of demand.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 8th Jul 2025
Genetec partners with Sektor to expand security solutions in NZ
Physical Security

Genetec partners with Sektor to expand security solutions in NZ

Genetec has partnered with Sektor to distribute its physical security solutions across New Zealand, including opening a new technology centre in Auckland.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 18th Jun 2025
Government seeking ‘common ground’ with opposition on RMA reforms
Law

Government seeking ‘common ground’ with opposition on RMA reforms

Cross-party backing is being sought to deliver a planning overhaul that could cut compliance costs by 45% while balancing development and environmental protection.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 25th Mar 2025
Changes to Public Works Act welcomed
Productivity

Changes to Public Works Act welcomed

Delays and cost blowouts on major infrastructure projects could ease as ministers move to streamline land acquisition rules and compensation disputes.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Tue, 25th Feb 2025
Changing market conditions present opportunity
Hybrid & Remote Work

Changing market conditions present opportunity

Lower borrowing costs and expiring term deposits could lift demand for commercial and residential property as investors hunt better returns.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Thu, 6th Feb 2025
Will proposed consent reforms really work?
Data Analytics

Will proposed consent reforms really work?

Reform could trim costly delays for builders, but experts warn the wrong consent model may threaten safety and liability.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Wed, 2nd Oct 2024
New law to bypass resource consents sets off alarm bells
Massey University

New law to bypass resource consents sets off alarm bells

Experts warn the proposed fast-track regime could cut community input and leave major projects with weaker environmental scrutiny.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Wed, 6th Mar 2024
How Graduated Density Zoning could deliver more housing
National Party

How Graduated Density Zoning could deliver more housing

Could ease the housing shortage by letting developers build higher on larger merged sites, even as councils opt out of existing upzoning rules.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Tue, 5th Mar 2024
Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle
Risk & Compliance

Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle

Stronger planning rules are still needed to stop homes being built on land prone to landslides and coastal erosion after Cyclone Gabrielle.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Fri, 16th Feb 2024
23 recommendations for the next government
Disaster Recovery

23 recommendations for the next government

New Zealand’s infrastructure sector is urging the incoming Government to speed up investment, reform planning and tap private capital.

By Staff Writer • 15 min read • Tue, 26th Sep 2023
Reforms do not guarantee a better system
Public Sector

Reforms do not guarantee a better system

Councils could lose influence over local planning as new regional committees shift decisions further from communities and raise funding concerns.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Wed, 8th Mar 2023
Will the election have an impact on property market activity?
New Zealand Labour Party

Will the election have an impact on property market activity?

Uncertainty over tax and housing policy could briefly slow residential sales, though commercial activity is likely to stay driven by rates and inflation.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Mon, 6th Feb 2023
RMA reform must not hinder critical water infrastructure
Agricultural Technology

RMA reform must not hinder critical water infrastructure

New Zealand growers could face higher food costs and poorer water security if reform leaves storage projects harder to finance, IrrigationNZ says.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Mon, 6th Feb 2023
Repeating past mistakes of RMA
Sustainability

Repeating past mistakes of RMA

Critics say the overhaul could add bureaucracy and legal uncertainty, raising doubts it will ease New Zealand’s housing crisis.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Wed, 16th Nov 2022
‘Most-productive’ land off-limits for housing
Agricultural Technology

‘Most-productive’ land off-limits for housing

Councils face tighter limits on rezoning fertile farmland for housing, as ministers say it is needed to safeguard New Zealand’s food supply.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Fri, 23rd Sep 2022
First rumbles of the death knoll for the RMA
Sustainability

First rumbles of the death knoll for the RMA

Public scrutiny begins on a replacement regime for the RMA, with the first draft aiming to speed planning and ease housing constraints.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 14th Jul 2021
Will the reformed RMA actually help deliver more housing?
New Zealand Labour Party

Will the reformed RMA actually help deliver more housing?

Critics warn the draft overhaul could leave consenting slower and housebuilding harder, despite ministers promising a leaner planning regime.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Wed, 30th Jun 2021