Updates to the Building Act and the new National Direction under the Resource Manage Act remove the need for consents for small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, otherwise known as granny flats.

The Government has made changes to consenting for mines and quarries and in the coastal marine area.

The Government’s changes to boost infrastructure delivery, including our supply of renewable energy have come into effect.

This package released by MfE, contains Cabinet papers and briefings related to the review of New Zealand’s 2050 emissions reduction targets.

Data analysis from Infometrics has shown that storm and flooding-related emergencies are happening more frequently in New Zealand now than 10 years ago.

Ten new or amended national direction instruments under the Resource Management Act 1991 come into effect 15 January 2026.

Legislation to bring about a fairer and faster system for securing land for public infrastructure projects has passed its first reading in Parliament.

The Government has passed changes setting a new biogenic methane target.

The Minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka, has made decisions on the reclassification of Western South Island stewardship land.

However EDS says, while the decisions deliver conservation gains, it is disappointing that only 6 parcels are being referred to the New Zealand Conservation Authority for consideration as National Park.

Decisions have been announced that will provide clarity for approximately 80 per cent of stewardship land assessed on the West Coast of the South Island.

The Government has confirmed the establishment of a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), to support the Government’s ambitious reform agenda in housing, transport, urban development and the environment.

The Government has approved the drafting of regulations to support a nationwide rural recycling scheme covering agrichemicals and plastic farm waste.