26 March 2025
A new vision for resource management in New Zealand was released this week — and regional and unitary councils are ready to partner with central government on the design and delivery of the future system.
The Blueprint for RM Reform, prepared by the Expert Advisory Group (EAG), proposes replacing the current Resource Management Act (RMA) with a more streamlined, standardised, and outcomes-focused system. It’s a fundamental shift in regulatory philosophy.
At Te Uru Kahika, we're pleased to see progress toward replacing the RMA. Te Uru Kahika Sponsor for RM Reform and Mayor of Tasman District Council Tim King recently shared the regional government view that the current system fails to provide good outcomes for the environment or communities.
“The RMA is too complex, too costly, and isn’t delivering the outcomes our communities need,” said Mayor King.
Resource management reform is long overdue, and the EAG blueprint report sets out a strong starting point to build from. The EAG provided a package of 21 key recommendations in their blueprint report. Central government is moving forward immediately with a number of these, while others are being progressed in part and one recommendation was not approved.
The proposed approach, places greater weight on spatial planning, promises to introduce clearer national direction, paves the way for a single regulatory plan per region, narrows the scope of regulation, expands the use of permitted activities, and embeds environmental limits. It’s a move toward less duplication, fewer bespoke rules, and more tools designed to deliver results on the ground.
That’s where regional and unitary councils come in.
We are the natural partner for central government in designing and delivering a better system. We’re on the ground, working closely with communities, iwi, and businesses. Our people bring practical experience, specialist expertise, and deep local knowledge.
Our staff have delivered a lot under a system that’s no longer fit for purpose. From science and data to compliance and enforcement, as well as planning and environmental management, councils have got on with the job. With a system designed to support better outcomes, just imagine what we can do.
We’re focused on helping shape a final system that’s practical, enduring, and delivers better value — not just for planners and consent holders, but for every New Zealander. We welcome the opportunity to work with central government on the detail of system change and transition.
In the coming weeks, regional and unitary councils will be digging into the EAG report and drawing on our own experience to consider how we can best support positive change. That includes where we think there are alternative ways of achieving the outcomes identified in the report.
We’ll also be sharing more about the incredible work already underway across the motu that's going well because it's important that we don't lose the capability and gains already built within regional and unitary councils as we move through the reform process.
"Reform is coming — we’re ready for it," said Mayor King.