New Zealand passes second RMA Amendment Bill

The New Zealand Government has passed the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill into law.

• Main action: The Amendment Bill introduces five packages to remove roadblocks and cut red tape, targeting infrastructure and renewable energy, housing (including a streamlined process removing heritage protections), farming and the primary sector, emergency and natural hazards, and resource management system improvements; it also requires Auckland Council to allow greater housing around City Rail Link stations, broadens permitted water discharges for farmers, and removes heritage protections for the Gordon Wilson Flats to clear the way for demolition and new student accommodation. The Bill will be enacted the day after it receives royal assent (expected in the coming days).

• Background and timeline: The Government says Phase One already repealed previous RMA changes; Phase Two includes the Fast-track one-stop shop and the biggest package of national direction changes (decisions due before year-end) and delivers these Amendment Bill improvements; Phase Three will introduce two new laws to fully replace the RMA—introduced to Parliament this year, passed next year, and in effect by 2027.