Resource Management Act (RMA) Stories - Page 2

Stories from Other Regions

Resource Management Act (RMA) stories

Emotional scenes as Tararua council votes to expand for population growth

The district's residential and industrial land shortage could bite within 25 years, prompting public consultation on rezoning in its main centres.

By Rebecca Hogan • 3 min read • Thu, 13th Aug 2026

Meridian Energy

New Zealand opens second round of EV charger loans

About 10,000 public charge points by 2030 remain the target as the Government adds NZD $21 million to spur chargers in underserved areas.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 10th Aug 2026

Data Analytics

Qualified to comment – if it ain’t broke . .

Frustration with central government inertia and costly reforms underpins a 50-year local government career that spans planning, ratings and Auckland amalgamation.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Urban Planning

Qualified to comment - if it ain't broke

Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Urban Planning

A deep dive into RMA reform

Business faces a faster, narrower consenting regime as ministers unveil bills to replace the RMA by mid-2026.

By Staff Writer • 11 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026

Software-as-a-Service

How much more will we sacrifice for housing?

Housing targets could erode New Zealand’s food-producing base, as experts warn losing LUC3 land would lock in permanent damage to supply and exports.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Tue, 22nd Jul 2025

Housing

Quarry industry argues for naturally-sourced sand

New Zealand faces higher costs for homes and infrastructure unless councils protect natural sand supplies as manufactured material covers only a fraction of demand.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 8th Jul 2025

Physical Security

Genetec partners with Sektor to expand security solutions in NZ

Genetec has partnered with Sektor to distribute its physical security solutions across New Zealand, including opening a new technology centre in Auckland.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 18th Jun 2025

Urban Planning

Government seeking ‘common ground’ with opposition on RMA reforms

Cross-party backing is being sought to deliver a planning overhaul that could cut compliance costs by 45% while balancing development and environmental protection.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 25th Mar 2025

Productivity

Changes to Public Works Act welcomed

Delays and cost blowouts on major infrastructure projects could ease as ministers move to streamline land acquisition rules and compensation disputes.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Tue, 25th Feb 2025

Real estate

Changing market conditions present opportunity

Lower borrowing costs and expiring term deposits could lift demand for commercial and residential property as investors hunt better returns.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Thu, 6th Feb 2025

Data Analytics

Will proposed consent reforms really work?

Reform could trim costly delays for builders, but experts warn the wrong consent model may threaten safety and liability.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Wed, 2nd Oct 2024

Massey University

New law to bypass resource consents sets off alarm bells

Experts warn the proposed fast-track regime could cut community input and leave major projects with weaker environmental scrutiny.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Wed, 6th Mar 2024

Housing

How Graduated Density Zoning could deliver more housing

Could ease the housing shortage by letting developers build higher on larger merged sites, even as councils opt out of existing upzoning rules.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Tue, 5th Mar 2024

Housing

Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle

Stronger planning rules are still needed to stop homes being built on land prone to landslides and coastal erosion after Cyclone Gabrielle.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Fri, 16th Feb 2024

Disaster Recovery

23 recommendations for the next government

New Zealand’s infrastructure sector is urging the incoming Government to speed up investment, reform planning and tap private capital.

By Staff Writer • 15 min read • Tue, 26th Sep 2023

Urban Planning

Reforms do not guarantee a better system

Councils could lose influence over local planning as new regional committees shift decisions further from communities and raise funding concerns.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Wed, 8th Mar 2023

Real estate

Will the election have an impact on property market activity?

Uncertainty over tax and housing policy could briefly slow residential sales, though commercial activity is likely to stay driven by rates and inflation.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Mon, 6th Feb 2023