RMA National Direction updated

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

Under section 52(3) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform acting for the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of Conservation give notice of the new and amended national direction instruments.

Consultation on proposals to change national direction instruments took place in May–July 2025, with feedback helping to shape the final versions. The new and amended instruments are designed to operate under the current Resource Management Act.

This update is the first of two tranches, with a second tranche of changes expected to be considered by Cabinet in early 2026. Ministers are still considering changes to freshwater national direction, with announcements yet to be made.