The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) has long been criticised for its complexity, its difficulty in supporting development, and its failure to deliver improved environmental outcomes. Local government, which carries much of the responsibility for implementing the RMA, has widely acknowledged the need for reform.
In December 2025, the Government introduced two new bills in Parliament to replace the RMA laying the groundwork for a planning framework expected to be enacted by mid-2026.
The reforms represent one of the most significant system overhauls with wide‑ranging implications for local government.
The Planning Bill sets out how land can be used and developed, while the Natural Environment Bill addresses the management and protection of natural resources. Together, they introduce a two‑Act structure to replace the current system.
A central change is the establishment of Combined Regional Plans merging most current plans into a single regional document, replacing existing regional and district plans. Nationally standardised zoning and overlays would also be applied across all councils.
Council is broadly supportive of the reform but has made a submission highlighting areas requiring refinement. We emphasised the need for realistic timeframes, clarity around compensation and safeguards to ensure that local issues are not unnecessarily regionalised.
The reform, when enacted, will have a significant impact on Council’s planning department and reshape Council’s roles and responsibilities in relation to resource management. Work is underway to understand these implications and make necessary systems changes to be better prepared.
This reform sits on top of other reforms from the Government with no funding for their implementation or additional resources required. Council supports all sensible reform but maintains that it cannot come at the expense of ratepayers and local democracy.
You can read Council’s full submission and learn more about the RMA reform at waimatedc.govt.nz/reforms
