The new system shifts influence upstream. Here’s how planners can help clients engage at the right time, in the right process, on the issues that matter most. The Planning and Natural Environment Acts may have replaced the Resource Management Act on paper, but for most planners the immediate question is much simpler: What should we …
Planning beyond the RMA: Five things planners should be doing right now Read More »
As the resource management landscape continues to evolve, so too has our team. Many of you will know members of our Environment and Planning team through existing projects and longstanding relationships with Holland Beckett. Led by Vanessa Hamm, our specialist team advises clients on resource management, environmental, local government and regulatory matters throughout New Zealand. …
The new Planning and Natural Environment Acts establish the architecture of the new resource management system, but National Policy Direction and National Standards will supply much of the operational detail. The Government’s illustrative National Policy Direction gives an early indication of the issues likely to matter across sectors. Illustrative National Policy Direction National Policy Direction …
National Direction under the new resource management system: the Illustrative NPD Read More »
The replacement Acts have passed, but the Resource Management Act 1991 has not disappeared overnight. A staged transition will operate while national direction, standards and regional plans are developed. The RMA remains in force for now The Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026 have had their third reading and are due to receive …
The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act are now law, and the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is one step closer to its second repeal in less than a decade. But what’s changed since the Acts were introduced back in December 2025? For an outline of those original proposals you can read our earlier articles …
Resource management reform has landed: what’s new? Read More »
Holland Beckett is pleased to announce the promotion of Laura Murphy, Katherine Dyer and Katie Brown to Senior Associate. Senior Associates L-R: Katie Brown, Katherine Dyer, Laura Murphy “The number and breadth of this year’s promotions reflect the depth of talent across Holland Beckett and the strength of the service we provide to our clients,” …
Holland Beckett celebrates new Senior Associates Read More »
Holland Beckett is pleased to announce the promotion of Cory Lipinski, Lucy Vala-Blackmore, Shannon Eldridge, Anya Sherwan and Jemma Hollis to Associate. The promotions span the firm’s Environment and Planning, Corporate and Finance, Family Law and Litigation teams, recognising professional achievement, leadership, technical expertise and a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for clients and communities …
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 »
