New planning laws replace Resource Management Act with focus on long-term regional strategy

On Saturday 26 September 2026, Waatea News reported that the Resource Management Act (RMA) is being phased out after 35 years of service. Parliament has officially passed the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, creating two distinct regimes to manage land development and the natural environment. The Government describes these reforms as a once-in-a-generation shift intended to streamline development and increase predictability for housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. For Māori, the new system signals a significant change in how mana whenua will participate in environmental decision-making. The reform consolidates over 100 existing planning documents into just 17 regional combined plans. According to Waatea News, this shift moves the primary 'battleground' for iwi and hapū from individual consent hearings to the earlier development phases of national rules and regional spatial plans. This provides a strategic opportunity for Māori to influence the long-term future of their rohe if they are genuinely involved in the upfront planning processes. The transition to the new system will be progressive, with the Government aiming for full operation by 2030. During this period, existing RMA plans and consents will remain in place. The reforms come as the Waitangi Tribunal continues its Wai 3450 inquiry into natural resources and environmental management, which examines Māori participation and the protection of taonga. Waatea News notes that for Māori, the management of te taiao (the environment) is fundamentally linked to whakapapa. As the new legislation moves toward implementation, the focus for iwi and hapū will turn to the detail of national rules and ensuring that mātauranga Māori is recognized within the 17 new regional planning processes. The goal remains balancing economic development with the rangatiratanga of iwi and hapū over their whenua, wai, and taonga.