The Government has announced that they will stop all new RMA plan changes and suspend current plan review obligations, including requirements for councils to implement national planning standards, as part of its work to reform the country’s resource management system.

“This announcement comes as councils are gearing up for a new resource management system,” explains Al Cross, Director of Resource Management System Reform at Te Uru Kahika, the collective of regional and unitary councils.

“For councils, the positive is that it provides clarity and the space to redirect effort into critical environmental delivery and preparing for change ahead.

“This move means we can channel resources into delivery, such as supporting landowners and catchment groups to improve water quality, progressing flood resilience projects, and ensuring our planning teams are well prepared for the transition and implementation of the new system.

“We're very mindful of the impacts on councils and communities invested in planning processes across the country. Councils have undertaken major work and engagement with locals, iwi, and industries.

“Every council is at a different stage with their plans under the RMA and implementing national direction prescribed by central government. There will be mixed feelings from those who’ve contributed their time, knowledge, and aspirations into those processes.

“However, our intent as regional government is unified: we all want a less costly and complex resource management system that deliver the outcomes our communities desire. We are committed to making progress toward this,” said Mr Cross.

The announcement requires councils to withdraw plan reviews and changes that have not yet reached the hearing stage within 90 days of the legislation coming into effect. It also suspends mandatory 10-year RMA reviews and implementation of national planning standards. Immediate legal effect rules will cease to apply once the associated plans are withdrawn.

Te Uru Kahika, on behalf of the sector, also noted the broader implications of the Government’s approach.

“While clarity is welcome, we are concerned about the level of central government intervention in local planning. Local plan-making is a rigorous and locally accountable process. As central government leads reform, it’s important that respect for local decision-making remains,” said Mr Cross

Te Uru Kahika noted that a more locally empowered approach could have helped manage the transition more smoothly; and acknowledged that the Government’s proposed legislation includes some practical flexibility—particularly exemptions for notified plans and an ability to apply to the Minister for specific cases.

With the announcement now made, Te Uru Kahika Executive Director Iain Maxwell advised the focus for councils now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition to a better resource management system and maintaining delivery of essential services across the country.

“Regional delivery is grounded in place, expertise, and accountability—and remains essential for improving land, water, and air management, biosecurity, and hazard resilience,” said Mr Maxwell.

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