RMLA’s primary objective in making submissions or providing feedback on Government proposals is to ensure that a coherent and workable body of resource management and environmental law is developed in New Zealand. Accordingly, the RMLA does not typically comment on policy matters. Instead, its submissions focus on identifying any changes needed to ensure that the proposal will:

a) be consistent with the general framework of existing laws and policies and legally sound;

b) be practicable, effective and efficient;

c) assist in promoting best practice; and

d) produce high quality environmental outcomes.

Under normal circumstances, the RMLA would ensure its members are informed of the key elements of any new Government proposal and seek feedback from its membership so as to ensure any submission made reflects the broad and diverse range of views held within the organisation. However, due to the extraordinarily short timeframe for preparing and lodging submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill (FTAAB/the Bill), just over five working days, this was not possible.

The RMLA is extremely disappointed with the exceptionally limited timeframe for providing feedback on the Bill, particularly given the significance and far-reaching implications of the proposed changes.

This submission offers feedback on the June 2025 Discussion Paper Going for Housing Growth Providing for urban development in the new resource management system. It draws from feedback from RMLA members who offer a range of expertise and experience across all fields of resource management in New Zealand.

A key concern of the RMLA Executive is the breadth of the change being proposed to both the RMA and current national direction at the same time reform of the legislation is underway.

In this submission, we record that RMLA has significant concerns regarding the Bill’s content; and that RMLA acknowledges and supports the submission of Te Hunga Roia Māori o Aotearoa (Te Hunga Roia Māori), and supports its critical perspective on the Bill’s compliance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

RMLA remains concerned that the RMA continues to be "tinkered with" and questions whether the proposed solution will have the desired effect, particularly where further and significant reform to the RMA itself is also proposed in the short term.

RMLA’s main objective in making submissions on Government proposals is to ensure that a coherent and workable body of resource management and environmental law and practice is developed in New Zealand.

The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill (Bill) proposes a number of amendments to speed up the process to prepare and amend national direction.

The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill (Bill) proposes a number of amendments to speed up the process to prepare and amend national direction.

RMLA’s submission on the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill can be read here.

RMLA submission on the Fast-track Approvals Bill 2024 was completed on Friday. Find out more…

Farm Duration of Consent Extensions