New Zealand Parliament Opens Public Submission on Two Bills to Replace the current Resource Management Act

On December 18, 2025, the Environment Committee of the New Zealand Parliament opened a public submission on the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. Submissions are due by February 13, 2026. These two bills are intended to replace the current Resource Management Act 1991 and, through coordinated implementation, establish a coherent, framework-based approach to land‑use planning and environmental management in New Zealand. The bills also propose introducing “environmental limits” to protect indigenous biodiversity.