This explainer breaks down what that means, why it matters, and the key things Māori and whānau should be aware of.
What is the Resource Management Act?
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is Aotearoa’s main environmental and planning law. It sets the rules for how we use our natural and physical resources – things like land, water, air, forests, and the coastal environment.
Its original purpose was simple: to make sure Aotearoa’s resources are managed in a sustainable, balanced way that protects the environment for future generations.
Because it’s a national law, it also gives councils a consistent framework for making decisions about whether activities like building a house, creating a subdivision, taking water, or developing land should be allowed. In other words, it helps councils decide when to say yes, when to say no, and how to do that fairly and transparently.
After nearly 34 years and many amendments, the RMA has faced growing criticism. Many say it has become too slow, too complex, and no longer delivers well for either the people or for the environment.
Why the coalition wants to change it
The coalition government argues that the RMA:
- Is too complicated, slow, and expensive
- Delays in building and infrastructure projects
- Fails to protect the environment efficiently
- Places too many rules on landowners and developers
- Makes it hard to do business and grow the economy
Their goal is to streamline planning so development can happen faster, with fewer roadblocks.
The Plan
The coalition proposes replacing the RMA with two new laws:
Natural Environment Act
Sets the rules for how natural resources are used and how the environment is protected during development.
Planning Act
Controls how land can be used – including housing, infrastructure and local planning decisions.
The government aims for the new system to be fully in place by 2029, with some rules starting earlier and certain existing consents extended until 2031.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The current RMA is large and complex, creating lengthy processes for development
- Reforms could speed up building, especially housing
- Faster development may support more jobs and economic growth
Cons
- Unclear how Treaty settlements and Māori interests will be upheld
- “Regulatory takings” may require councils to compensate landowners if environmental rules restrict development
- Stronger emphasis on private property rights
What it means for Te Tiriti o Waitangi
One of the key concerns for Māori is how Te Tiriti obligations will operate under the new laws.
The current RMA (and the short-lived Natural and Built Environments Act 2023) included references to the principles of Te Tiriti. This gave courts room to interpret the law in ways that upheld partnership, protected Māori interests, and required good-faith engagement.
The proposed reforms remove Treaty principles and instead outline a short list of Treaty clauses. Some argue these clauses may be less operative, meaning they may not strongly guide or limit decision makers.
The worry is this: swapping “Treaty principles” for a short, fixed list of clauses means developers can tick every box on the checklist, look perfectly legal, yet still act unfairly or in bad faith toward Māori. And the courts would have fewer legal grounds to challenge it.
Our stance
We believe any reforms should:
- Include clear, operative obligations for councils and decision-makers to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Ensure communities have a real say in how land and resources are managed
- Protect Māori rights, interests, and relationships with te taiao in all planning decisions
These reforms will shape how our whenua and wai are cared for across generations. We’ll continue breaking down the changes as they unfold.
