Property Council New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s decision to accelerate resource management reform, saying the proposed changes could improve development certainty and support economic growth.
Chief executive Leonie Freeman said the introduction of two new Bills before the end of 2025 amounts to a once-in-a-generation opportunity to streamline the planning system.
She said: “Going from more than 100 plans down to just 17 is hugely significant. A clearer, more consistent planning framework means many land uses will no longer require consents, saving time, reducing cost, and giving the development and investment community much-needed certainty.”
Freeman highlighted several aspects of the reform programme that the Property Council particularly supports.
These include a higher threshold for what is considered regulated activity, reduced emphasis on factors such as visual amenity and private views, national standards on zones and common activities, and a new Planning Tribunal to deal with simpler disputes.
She said greater emphasis on property rights would “help reduce unnecessary litigation and delays in development approvals.”
Freeman said the proposals reflect a strong commitment to creating a planning system that is more consistent and easier to navigate.
She said: “These changes reflect a strong commitment to creating a planning system that is consistent, predictable and focused on enabling development.
“The new system has the potential to unlock significant development capacity and drive better outcomes for both the industry and our communities.”
However, she cautioned that ongoing monitoring will be required to ensure the reforms deliver the intended results.
Freeman said durability of national policy settings remains a concern, noting that shifts in ministerial priorities could affect planning approvals.
She said: “We do have some reservations about the stability of national policy direction over time. Future Ministerial changes could have major impacts on planning approvals, so durability and cross-party alignment will be important.”