In August 2025, the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act was passed into law. This is shaping how resource consents are processed in general and even more so for specific industries:
- Infrastructure & Energy Package
- Housing
- Farming & Primary Sector
These amendments are one of many changes to come in New Zealand resource management reform, with the Government proposing to replace the Resource Management Act with a Natural Environment Act and a Planning Act.
If you have a resource consent due to be renewed or are planning a project which will require a resource consent, there’s a few things to bear in mind:
- The Right Level of Resource Consent Information
It’s important that your resource consent application contains both a suitable amount of information and also the expected type of information. This saves delays with processing your application as well as costs for responding to request for further information after your application has been lodged. Essential if your project is on a tight timeline or your resource consent expiry date is approaching. If you’re unsure, Councils offer pre-application processes to provide feedback on draft applications or proposed projects. - Know Your Site’s Hazard Classifications
Sites categorised as having natural hazards, such as flooding, will have higher scrutiny placed on their resource consent applications. Councils are more empowered to refuse or tightly condition consents in such settings, and in some cases additional information or technical assessments may be required to support your consent application. - Stay Informed on Legislative Changes
Alongside Resource Management Act reforms, the Government is also updating national direction instruments such as National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards. There have also been changes to how and when Councils can alter their own Regional and District Plans.
It’s important that all of these different elements of legislation are considered when drafting a resource consent application or scoping a potential project.
One thing is certain – legislative change will be a constant for the foreseeable future. If you’re needing support in this area give Grounded Sustainability a call – we’re here to help you navigate these dynamic changes.
