27 August 2025
Position Pieces on Resource Management System Design
New Zealand's 16 regional councils and unitary authorities are committed to supporting the development of a resource management system that enables thriving environments, economies, and communities.
As part of this commitment, we are publishing position pieces that have been provided to officials on elements of the new system design. These have been prepared with input from regional sector experts, drawing on extensive practical experience in implementing resource management at place. Our goal is to contribute constructively and support an enduring system that works for New Zealand.
These position pieces contribute to a wider programme of work being coordinated at a sector-level, working collectively, as well as with MfE. This programme focusses on system and legislation design, and transition to implementation.
The position pieces
- This sets out how a spatial planning framework can provide long-term, strategic direction to align land use and infrastructure with environmental constraints and opportunities.
- Proposing how regional responsibilities under the new Acts can be clearly and efficiently defined, ensuring that regulatory processes are outcome-focused, streamlined, and proportionate.
- Outlines how environmental limits can be set and managed in ways that are risk-based, locally responsive, and nationally consistent, ensuring strong protection for natural systems.
These position pieces are grounded in the direction set by the Cabinet Paper and Cabinet Minutes of 24 March 2025 as well as the Expert Advisory Group’s Blueprint.
These papers are shared as a constructive contribution to designing a resource management system that delivers for New Zealand and we look forward to further discussion with central government, tāngata whenua, communities, and other partners to achieve this ambition.
