RMA reform: economic boost, compliance relief expected as new legislation revealed

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop holding up the new planning system legislation. (Image: NZME)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025

Legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will vastly simplify New Zealand’s complex planning system, grow GDP by at least 0.56% each year, and save $13.3 billion in compliance costs, the Government says.Two long-awaited bills to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) were unveiled by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and his off-sider, under-secretary Simon Court, and their respective party leaders, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, during a two-hour lock-up in the Beehive on Tuesda...

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