30 Nov 2022
The Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill were introduced to Parliament in early November. This means that new resource management legislation is on its way to being passed into law.
The introduction of the Bills is a significant milestone in the resource management reform. If passed, the Bills will change how we manage our natural and built environments. The Bills will be 'read' and then will go to Select Committee where organisations and members of the public can provide comment on the draft Bills.
The Natural and Built Environments Act will be the primary replacement for the Resource Management Act. It sets out how the environment will be protected and enhanced, covering both land use and environmental protection.
The Spatial Planning Act mandates the development of long-term regional spatial strategies to help coordinate and integrate decisions made under relevant legislation.
We anticipate providing our feedback when the Environment Select Committee calls for submissions.
The Spatial Planning Bill and the Natural and Built Environment Bill are available on the New Zealand Legislation website.
