Ready or not, here it comes – resource management law and resource consenting is on the move. The RMA’s replacement Planning and Natural Environment Bills are expected to be enacted as early as September 2026. Below, we delve into some of the Select Committee’s recommendations on transitional provisions. The RMA law transition period The new …
Transitioning to a new era of resource consenting Read More »
From 15 January 2026, New Zealanders can build one small, standalone, single‑storey dwelling up to 70 m² (often called a “granny flat”) without a building consent, provided every condition of the new national exemption is met and the required process is followed. At the same time, a new National Environmental Standard allows one detached minor residential …
Granny flats exemption: introducing the 70m² consent exempt rule Read More »
Environment & Resource Management We are pleased to share that our specialist resource management team has once again been recognised in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Environment & Resource Management. Vanessa Hamm, Partner, was recognised as a Recommended Leading Environment & Resource Management Lawyer in this years list. Holland Beckett was also recommended in the …
Holland Beckett recommended in the Doyle’s Guide 2026 rankings Read More »
Commercial activities on Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti have been slapped with potential delays and prohibitions following Council’s recent vow to review consenting obligations of existing operators. For many businesses, obtaining a resource consent can be costly, time consuming and uncertain. However, failing to comply with resource management law requirements can create even greater commercial risk. …
Following a short Select Committee process, the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill passed through its third reading on 10 December 2025. It now awaits royal assent before becoming law – our view is that this will be completed within the next week. The Bill puts forward changes to the already fairly contentious Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 …
The Government has introduced the two Bills that are intended to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), these being the Natural Environment Bill (NEA) and the Planning Bill (PA). The intention appears for these bills to read for the first time in the coming week, and for them to be enacted in mid-2026. This …
The new dawn of resource management law: consenting changes explained Read More »
Fulfilling its promise, the Government introduced the two Bills that are intended to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), these being the Natural Environment Bill (NEA) and the Planning Bill (PA). The intention appears for these Bills to read for the first time in the coming week, and for them to be enacted in …
Resource management law reform is here: the policy and planning structure explained Read More »
Aiming to capitalise on faster-tracked consenting the Government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill. While marketed at improving grocery competition through supermarket-specific consenting options, the Bill in fact provides much more nuance. The Bill has had its first reading and is referred to the Environment Select Committee for consideration. Its proposals are indicative of …
What’s changed under the Public Works Act? The Government recently introduced changes to the Public Works Act 1981 that provide additional compensation for eligible landowners whose land is acquired for major infrastructure and projects. These projects are generally roading projects, based on those listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 or are identified as Roads …
Changes to the Public Works Act: additional compensation on the table for landowners Read More »
The resource management law landscape continues to evolve, with a constant flow of proposed RMA reforms and planning changes. This article rounds up where things stand as at the end of July 2025. Resource Management Act 1991 (“RMA”) The RMA remains in place, having already been amended last year through the Resource Management (Freshwater and …
