Long-awaited RMA reforms will deliver a $3.1 billion kick-start to economy, government says

The government has unveiled its long-awaited Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, saying the “once-in-a-generation” changes will slash consent applications, reduce red tape and kick-start the economy to the tune of $3.1 billion a year.

As expected, the regime unveiled by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop takes the form of two new pieces of legislation, a Planning Bill and a Natural Environment Bill, both of which were introduced to Parliament on Tuesday.

Bishop said the new regime placed an emphasis on property rights and would result in a clear nation-wide policy direction on planning, as well as setting national standards, eliminating the uncertainty created under the existing RMA.

“The Resource Management Act 1991 has failed,” he said. “It has slowed down energy and infrastructure projects and fuelled a housing crisis… It has created enormous uncertainty for developers, councils, farmers and growers – but it hasn’t protected the environment.”