The Government has agreed to progress the recommendations in the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report to make residential and small to medium scale solar panel installation in New Zealand the simplest in the developed world.

New amendment papers for the Natural Environment and Planning Bills have been released this week.

The Government will strengthen infrastructure funding settings to ensure the costs of growth from incoming Fast-track developments can be recovered.

Speaking at the Waikato Regional Energy Strategy launch in Hamilton, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment said New Zealand faces a series of complex energy challenges that require long-term thinking and greater coordination across government, industry and communities.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has suggested the Government take another look at options for managing dry-year electricity risk, arguing that potentially cost-effective alternatives were excluded too early in the process.

He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission's latest report finds that adaptation in New Zealand is still not keeping pace with growing climate risks.

Amendment papers have been added to both the Natural Environment & Planning Bills this week.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has submitted on the proposed National Conservation Policy Statement. The submission supports the overall direction of conservation land reform but highlights that the system is not yet ready for implementation.

The RMLA Conference is about more than the sessions, speakers and networking. This year’s Friday Fieldshops offer attendees the chance to step beyond the conference venue and experience the places, stories, landscapes and communities that make Te Tai Tokerau truly unique.

Rapid expansion of flexible electricity use and batteries could be crucial for a secure and affordable energy system, saving energy users between $5.4 and $20.8 billion through to 2050.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched consultation on Wellington’s heritage planning rules related to five key sites.

This opinion piece from Dr Greg Severinsen, reform director with the Environmental Defence Society gives a sobering assessment of how the government’s proposed regulatory relief framework could play out in Auckland.