'Emergency' fast-track resource consent system could become permanent

'Emergency' fast-track resource consent system could become permanent
David Parker is mulling making emergency covid laws a permanent feature.
Ian Llewellyn
A fast-track resource management consent process could become a permanent legislative feature, says environment minister David Parker.A law was passed in 2020 to shorten timeframes and cut out many of the consultation and appeal processes in the Resource Management Act (RMA).It was presented as an emergency measure to inject life into the economy when it was feared covid and the associated lockdown restrictions would strangle activity. As a result, it had a sunset clause.The economic pain from the pandemic was not as severe as feared. However,...

More Policy

The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025
Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope
Policy

Emissions impacts of NZ's largest companies under microscope

Nearly half of NZ's biggest companies increased their emissions last year.

Michael Neilson 13 Nov 2025