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.

RMLA’s Lauren Wallace and Kate Stubbing shared some initial thoughts on the Environment Select Committee recommendations and what these may mean in practice for transitional consenting. In short, the session was a useful reminder that, while a new planning system is on the horizon, RMA-based consenting isn't going anywhere just yet.

Parliament’s Environment Select Committee has today released its report on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill. Together, the Bills will replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

The Environment Select Committee have released their Reports on the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill.

The Natural Environment Bill was introduced on December 9, 2025 with the aim of managing impacts from the use of natural resources and protect the environment from harm.