Resource Management Act 1991

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Rules for Using Land, Air, and Water"

Illustration for Resource Management Act 1991

This law is about how we use land, air, and water. You will learn about the rules for using these things. The law wants to make sure we use them in a good way. The law covers many things, like what you can do on land, in the air, and in water. You might want to know what you are allowed to do in these places. The law is meant to help us understand how to use land, air, and water properly. It is like a guide for you to follow.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM230264.

This page was last updated on 17 February 2026 — View changes

Highlights from this law

9: Restrictions on use of land

Rules about how you can use land without harming the environment

12: Restrictions on use of coastal marine area

Rules to protect the coastal marine area

13: Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers

Rules for what you can and can't do in lake and river beds

14: Restrictions relating to water

Rules about taking and using water from the coast and other sources

15: Discharge of contaminants into environment

Keeping Our Environment Clean: No Dumping Allowed Without Permission

36A: No duty under this Act to consult about resource consent applications and notices of requirement

No need to discuss resource consent applications with others under this law.

37: Power of waiver and extension of time limits

Asking to change or ignore time limits or rules

38: Authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers

Who can be an enforcement officer and what they can do

88: Making an application

How to apply for a resource consent

Topics:

Environment and resources > ConservationEnvironment and resources > Town planningHousing and property > Land use

1: Short Title and commencement, or

"This explains what the law is called and when it starts to work."

Resource Management Act 1991

Reprint as at:: 2026-02-10
Assent:: 1991-07-22
Commencement:: see section 1(2)

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry for the Environment.

An Act to restate and reform the law relating to the use of land, air, and water