The Government has introduced legislation to change New Zealand’s outdated environmental reporting regime and improve decision-making on the country’s environmental considerations.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

The Government has approved the following new national environmental standards as part of the Resource Management Act 1991 National Direction Programme.

The Climate Change Commission is inviting evidence and insights to inform an update of its 2024 advice on emissions budgets.

The Government has proactively released Cabinet papers on simplifying local government (5 May 2026), which reveal that decisions regarding the national environmental regulator will be delayed until the next Parliamentary term.

The Environment Court has directed Waikato Regional Council to make 20 specific changes to finalise a landmark plan to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment provided comment to the Department of Conservation on a proposed land exchange related to the Tukituki Water Security Project in the Hawke’s Bay region made under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (FTAA).

Registrations are now open for the 2026 RMLA Conference, True North | Te Pae Tawhiti, Whāia Kia Tata, taking place in Te Pēwhairangi | Bay of Islands from 9–11 September 2026.

Strong support is already building for the 2026 RMLA Conference, True North / Te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata, with several key sponsorship opportunities already secured. We now invite organisations to align with the remaining opportunities and be part of this important national event.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bridget Irving as the new Chair of the RMLA Otago / Southland Branch.

Bridget is a Partner at Gallaway Cook Allan in Otago, specialising in resource management and local government. She works with developers, councils and water users across Otago and Southland, helping navigate complex resource management challenges and achieve practical outcomes.

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

The Minister of Conservation has announced the creation of five marine reserves off the Otago and south-Canterbury coast, forming the Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia marine protection network.