The Government has released its formal response to the independent National Infrastructure Plan, setting out how it will respond to the Infrastructure Commission’s sixteen recommendations.

The Government has introduced legislation to change New Zealand’s outdated environmental reporting regime and improve decision-making on the country’s environmental considerations.

This edition comes at an important point in the transition to New Zealand’s new planning system. Work is underway to build a more effective, nationally consistent system that supports housing and infrastructure, while protecting what matters to New Zealanders – including our natural environment.

MfE has published documents relating to the system transformation work programme that replaces the RMA.

An investigation has been launched into whether council planning rules in Wellington and Hamilton are getting in the way of new homes and economic growth.

The Government says New Zealanders will benefit from better information about natural hazard risks, and faster and more consistent planning decisions under major new investment for planning reforms.