The Government yesterday introduced two Bills to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991, signalling a major shift in New Zealand’s resource management system.

Regional Council Chair Sophie Siers says the reforms present an opportunity to explore a more efficient system while ensuring that environmental protection and community wellbeing remain at the forefront.

“Faster, more consistent processes could benefit our region—particularly if they enable timely, evidence-based decision-making,” she says.

“But in a country like New Zealand, where extensive deforestation, land degradation and major remediation challenges already exist, understanding how the new system balances development outcomes with environmental protections will be crucial.

“I’m interested in understanding more about how the new system - while moving faster - will give due consideration to both.”

Ms Siers says regional councils have a critical role to play in implementation.

“Successful reform depends on the stability, capability, and local knowledge held within regional councils, including Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. We understand our communities, our catchments, and the regional-scale solutions required to manage them.”

Hawke’s Bay continues to face significant environmental and climate-related challenges, she says.

“These include extreme weather events, flood vulnerability, invasive pests and diseases and continuing pressure on water quality and availability. The expertise of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is central to responding to these risks and protecting our environment for future generations.”

Given the central role of strategic and spatial planning in the proposed framework, local government experience will be essential to achieving successful implementation, she says.

Ms Siers also emphasises the importance of iwi and hapū participation.

“We have longstanding commitments with mana whenua under the RMA, and we remain focused on ensuring Treaty settlements are upheld and that iwi and hapū have meaningful opportunities to shape the new system.”

During the transition to the new framework, councils will continue to operate under existing legislation, including the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill introduced yesterday. The Bill—expected to pass this week—extends existing consent expiry dates to two years beyond the transition period.

“We remain committed to supporting our communities, including consent holders, throughout this period of change,” Ms Siers says.

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