RMA stories
Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.
New Zealand faces higher costs for homes and infrastructure unless councils protect natural sand supplies as manufactured material covers only a fraction of demand.
Genetec has partnered with Sektor to distribute its physical security solutions across New Zealand, including opening a new technology centre in Auckland.
Cross-party backing is being sought to deliver a planning overhaul that could cut compliance costs by 45% while balancing development and environmental protection.
Delays and cost blowouts on major infrastructure projects could ease as ministers move to streamline land acquisition rules and compensation disputes.
Experts warn the proposed fast-track regime could cut community input and leave major projects with weaker environmental scrutiny.
New Zealand’s infrastructure sector is urging the incoming Government to speed up investment, reform planning and tap private capital.
Councils could lose influence over local planning as new regional committees shift decisions further from communities and raise funding concerns.
New Zealand growers could face higher food costs and poorer water security if reform leaves storage projects harder to finance, IrrigationNZ says.
Public scrutiny begins on a replacement regime for the RMA, with the first draft aiming to speed planning and ease housing constraints.
Without a clear plan, New Zealand's resource management overhaul will miss the Government's wellbeing and net-zero goals, says Infrastructure New Zealand.
New planning laws may still fail to fix housing shortages and infrastructure gaps unless councils and agencies get more capacity and funding.
Weak planning, funding and governance are leaving New Zealand unable to deliver the wider public outcomes it now says it wants.
Business leaders say the overhaul could speed up planning, cut costs and improve housing and infrastructure delivery, but local councils face uncertainty.
Transport industry groups say decades of stop-start planning could end if National’s $31 billion road and rail programme goes ahead.
The project will add 93 MW of capacity and offset 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year as MainPower begins site works near Waipara.
Planners warn the rushed consents could sideline community input and environmental safeguards as recovery projects are sped through this month.
New rules will impose tougher farm controls and swimming standards, but scientists warn implementation will determine whether waterways actually improve.
Billions in COVID-19 spending could be used to unlock projects, create jobs and speed New Zealand’s economic recovery, Infrastructure NZ says.
New roads, rail, schools and hospitals should help address years of underinvestment, though critics question whether USD $12 billion is enough.
