Resource Management Act 1991
Summary of changes
These summaries explain recent changes to the law. They are generated by AI comparing versions of the legislation, so they might oversimplify, miss details, or get things wrong. Learn more about how we track these changes.
10 February 2026
- Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- Introduction of new definitions and amendments to existing definitions in section 2
- Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- Introduction of new provisions for administrative charges and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to joint management agreements and power to make agreements
- Amendments to provisions related to waiver and extension of time limits
- Amendments to authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers
- Amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- Introduction of new provisions for disputes and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to making an application and further information
- Amendments to provisions related to consideration of applications and determination of applications
- Introduction of new provisions for conditions of resource consents and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to duration of consent and exercise of resource consent
- Amendments to provisions related to change or cancellation of consent condition and review of consent conditions
- Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- Introduction of new provisions for service of documents and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to regulations and orders revoked
- Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court decisions and residual powers of territorial authority
- Introduction of new provisions for schedules and amendments to existing provisions
Affected provisions
- DLM165AB Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM107A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM107B Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM47 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM48 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM49 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM50 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM51 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM343 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM348 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM349 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM350 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM42B Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM42D Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM47A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM51A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM244 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM360E Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM360G Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM70 Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- DLM70B Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- 2: Interpretation Introduction of new definitions and amendments to existing definitions in section 2
- 2: Matters that may be provided for in policy statements and plans Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 3: Water quality classes Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 7: Regulations and orders revoked Introduction of new provisions for schedules and amendments to existing provisions
- 9: Restrictions on use of land Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 11: Acts that include statutory acknowledgements Introduction of new provisions for schedules and amendments to existing provisions
- 12: Restrictions on use of coastal marine area Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 12: Transitional, savings, and related provisions Introduction of new provisions for schedules and amendments to existing provisions
- 13: Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 14: Restrictions relating to water Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- 15: Discharge of contaminants into environment Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- 17A: Recognised customary activity may be exercised in accordance with any controls Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- 24A: Power of Minister for the Environment to investigate and make recommendations Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 25: Residual powers of Minister for the Environment Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 25A: Minister may direct preparation of plan, document, change, or variation Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 32: Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 32A: Failure to carry out evaluation Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 36: Administrative charges Introduction of new provisions for administrative charges and amendments to existing provisions
- 36B: Power to make joint management agreement Amendments to provisions related to joint management agreements and power to make agreements
- 37: Power of waiver and extension of time limits Amendments to provisions related to waiver and extension of time limits
- 38: Authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers Amendments to authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers
- 41A: Control of hearings Amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 43A: Contents of national environmental standards Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 43G: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 44: Restriction on power to make national environmental standards Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 46A: Process for preparing national environmental standards and national policy statements Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 46B: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standard or national policy statement Introduction of new provisions for national environmental standards and amendments to existing provisions
- 47A: Board of inquiry to suspend consideration or consider additional material Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 51A: Withdrawal of proposed national policy statement Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 58D: Preparation of national planning standards Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 58E: Approval of national planning standard Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 58H: Changing, replacing, or revoking national planning standards Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 79: Review of policy statements and plans Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- 79AA: Application of temporary provisions in respect of section 79 Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 80A: Freshwater planning process Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 80B: Purpose, scope, application of Schedule 1, and definitions Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 80C: Application to responsible Minister for direction relating to planning instrument Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 80G: Limitations on IPIs and ISPP Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 82: Disputes Introduction of new provisions for disputes and amendments to existing provisions
- 86B: When rules in proposed plans have legal effect Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 86D: Environment Court may order rule to have legal effect from date other than standard date Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 87A: Classes of activities Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 88: Making an application Amendments to provisions related to making an application and further information
- 92: Further information, or agreement, may be requested Amendments to provisions related to making an application and further information
- 92A: Responses to request Amendments to provisions related to making an application and further information
- 92B: Responses to notification Amendments to provisions related to making an application and further information
- 95A: Public notification of consent applications Introduction of new provisions for declarations and amendments to existing provisions
- 99: Pre-hearing meetings Amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- 104: Consideration of applications Amendments to provisions related to consideration of applications and determination of applications
- 104A: Determination of applications for controlled activities Amendments to provisions related to consideration of applications and determination of applications
- 104C: Determination of applications for restricted discretionary activities Amendments to provisions related to consideration of applications and determination of applications
- 105: Matters relevant to certain applications Introduction of new provisions for conditions of resource consents and amendments to existing provisions
- 107E: Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- 107A: Restrictions on grant of resource consents Introduction of new provisions for conditions of resource consents and amendments to existing provisions
- 108: Conditions of resource consents Introduction of new provisions for conditions of resource consents and amendments to existing provisions
- 123: Duration of consent Amendments to provisions related to duration of consent and exercise of resource consent
- 124: Exercise of resource consent while applying for new consent Amendments to provisions related to duration of consent and exercise of resource consent
- 125: Lapsing of consents Amendments to provisions related to duration of consent and exercise of resource consent
- 127: Change or cancellation of consent condition on application by consent holder Amendments to provisions related to duration of consent and exercise of resource consent
- 128: Circumstances when consent conditions can be reviewed Amendments to provisions related to change or cancellation of consent condition and review of consent conditions
- 133: Powers under Part 12 not affected Amendments to provisions related to change or cancellation of consent condition and review of consent conditions
- 139C: Extension of extant wastewater consents Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- 165D: Power of consent authorities to refuse to receive applications for coastal permits Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 166: Definitions Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 168: Notice of requirement to territorial authority Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 168A: Notice of requirement by territorial authority Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 169: Further information, notification, submissions, and hearing for notice of requirement to territorial authority Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 171: Recommendation by territorial authority Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 174: Appeals Introduction of new provisions for powers under Part 12 and amendments to existing provisions
- 176A: Outline plan Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 184: Lapsing of designations which have not been given effect to Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 184A: Lapsing of designations of territorial authority in its own district Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 185: Environment Court may order taking of land Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 186: Compulsory acquisition powers Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 196: Removal of heritage order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 198E: Environment Court decides Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court decisions and residual powers of territorial authority
- 198F: Residual powers of territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court decisions and residual powers of territorial authority
- 198K: Environment Court decides Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court decisions and residual powers of territorial authority
- 198L: Residual powers of territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court decisions and residual powers of territorial authority
- 214: Making of water conservation order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 215: Minister's obligation to state reasons for not accepting recommendation Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 217A: Purpose Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217B: Interpretation Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217C: Application of this Part Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217D: Farm must have freshwater farm plan if it meets land use threshold Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217E: Main duties of farm operators Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217G: Certification of freshwater farm plan Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217H: Audit of farm for compliance with freshwater farm plan Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217I: Functions of regional councils Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217J: Records that must be kept by regional council Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217L: Relationship between freshwater farm plan and specified instruments Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217M: Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 217KA: Minister may approve industry organisation to provide certification or audit services Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 238: Vesting of roads Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 310: Scope and effect of declaration Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 314: Scope of enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 316: Application for enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 317: Notification of application Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 319: Decision on application Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 320: Interim enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 321: Change or cancellation of enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 322: Scope of abatement notice Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 327: Issue and effect of excessive noise direction Amendments to provisions related to appeals and Environment Court decisions
- 329A: Interpretation Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330AAA: Modification of requirements in section 330(3) for authorities in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330AA: Modification of requirements in section 330A for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330C: Modification of requirements in section 330B for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 331B: Owner or occupier of rural land may take emergency preventive or remedial measures Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 331C: Requirement for owner or occupier to give notice to relevant consent authority Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 331E: Enforcement proceedings Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 343E: Terms used in this Part Introduction of new provisions for freshwater farm plans and amendments to existing provisions
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Introduction of new provisions for service of documents and amendments to existing provisions
- 352: Service of documents Introduction of new provisions for service of documents and amendments to existing provisions
- 353: Notices and consents in relation to Maori land Introduction of new provisions for service of documents and amendments to existing provisions
- 360: Regulations Introduction of new provisions for service of documents and amendments to existing provisions
- 360E: Procedures relevant to making rules under section 360D Amendments to provisions related to freshwater planning process and national planning standards
- 372: Power of Minister of Conservation to give directions relating to restricted coastal activities Amendments to provisions related to regulations and orders revoked
- 379: Declarations Amendments to provisions related to regulations and orders revoked
- 384A: Right of port companies to occupy coastal marine area Amendments to provisions related to regulations and orders revoked
17 December 2025
- Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- Introduction of new definitions and amendments to existing definitions in section 2
- Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- Repeal of provisions related to transfer of powers and implementation of national environmental standards
- Introduction of administrative charges and amendments to existing provisions
- Amendments to provisions related to joint management agreements and power to make agreements
- Amendments to provisions related to waiver and extension of time limits
- Amendments to authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers
- Minor amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- Amendments to provisions related to disputes and appeals
- Amendments to provisions related to notices of requirement and designations
- Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- Minor amendments to provisions related to heritage orders and water conservation orders
- Amendments to provisions related to offences, penalties, and discharges from ships
- Amendments to provisions related to service of documents and notices
- Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- Amendments to provisions related to emergency works and power to take preventive or remedial action
- Amendments to provisions related to power of entry for inspection and abatement notices
- Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- Amendments to provisions related to limitations on IPIs and ISPP
- Amendments to provisions related to time limits and excluded time periods
- Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
Affected provisions
- DLM165AB Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM107A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM107B Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM47 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM48 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM49 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM50 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM51 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM343 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM348 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM349 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM350 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM42B Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM42D Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM47A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM51A Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM244 Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM331B Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM331C Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM331E Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- DLM70 Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- DLM70B Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- DLM198E Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- DLM198F Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- DLM198K Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- DLM198L Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- 2: Interpretation Introduction of new definitions and amendments to existing definitions in section 2
- 2: Matters that may be provided for in policy statements and plans Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 3: Water quality classes Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 4: Information required in application for resource consent Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 5: Provisions applying in respect of the Hazards Control Commission Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 7: Regulations and orders revoked Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 9: Restrictions on use of land Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 11: Acts that include statutory acknowledgements Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 12: Restrictions on use of coastal marine area Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 12: Transitional, savings, and related provisions Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 13: Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers Amendments to restrictions on use of land, coastal marine area, and beds of lakes and rivers to include new exceptions
- 14: Restrictions relating to water Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- 15: Discharge of contaminants into environment Amendments to provisions related to discharge of contaminants, water, and wastewater environmental performance standards
- 17A: Recognised customary activity may be exercised in accordance with any controls Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessment
- 24A: Power of Minister for the Environment to investigate and make recommendations Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 25: Residual powers of Minister for the Environment Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 25A: Minister may direct preparation of plan, document, change, or variation Amendments to powers of Minister for the Environment and residual powers of Minister
- 32: Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 32A: Failure to carry out evaluation Amendments to requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 36: Administrative charges Repeal of provisions related to transfer of powers and implementation of national environmental standards
- 36A: No duty under this Act to consult about resource consent applications and notices of requirement Introduction of administrative charges and amendments to existing provisions
- 36B: Power to make joint management agreement Amendments to provisions related to joint management agreements and power to make agreements
- 37: Power of waiver and extension of time limits Amendments to provisions related to waiver and extension of time limits
- 38: Authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers Amendments to authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers
- 41A: Control of hearings Minor amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 43A: Contents of national environmental standards Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 43G: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 44: Restriction on power to make national environmental standards Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46A: Process for preparing national environmental standards and national policy statements Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46B: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standard or national policy statement Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 47: Board of inquiry Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 47A: Board of inquiry to suspend consideration or consider additional material Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 51A: Withdrawal of proposed national policy statement Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 58D: Preparation of national planning standards Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 58E: Approval of national planning standard Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 58H: Changing, replacing, or revoking national planning standards Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 79: Review of policy statements and plans Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- 79AA: Application of temporary provisions in respect of section 79 Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 80A: Freshwater planning process Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 80B: Purpose, scope, application of Schedule 1, and definitions Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 80C: Application to responsible Minister for direction relating to planning instrument Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and freshwater planning process
- 80G: Limitations on IPIs and ISPP Amendments to provisions related to limitations on IPIs and ISPP
- 82: Disputes Amendments to provisions related to disputes and appeals
- 82A: Dispute relating to review under section 79A Amendments to provisions related to disputes and appeals
- 86B: When rules in proposed plans have legal effect Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 86D: Environment Court may order rule to have legal effect from date other than standard date Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 87A: Classes of activities Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 95A: Public notification of consent applications Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 99: Pre-hearing meetings Minor amendments to provisions related to control of hearings and pre-hearing meetings
- 104F: Implementation of national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to transfer of powers and implementation of national environmental standards
- 107E: Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- 123: Duration of consent Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 124: Exercise of resource consent while applying for new consent Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 125: Lapsing of consents Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 127: Change or cancellation of consent condition on application by consent holder Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 149C: EPA must give public notice of Minister's direction Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- 149E: EPA to receive submissions on matter if public notice of direction has been given Amendments to provisions related to review of policy statements and plans
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas, coastal permits, and national policy statements
- 168A: Notice of requirement by territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to notices of requirement and designations
- 169: Further information, notification, submissions, and hearing for notice of requirement to territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to notices of requirement and designations
- 171: Recommendation by territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to notices of requirement and designations
- 174: Appeals Amendments to provisions related to disputes and appeals
- 176A: Outline plan Amendments to provisions related to disputes and appeals
- 184: Lapsing of designations which have not been given effect to Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 184A: Lapsing of designations of territorial authority in its own district Amendments to provisions related to lapsing of designations and consents
- 185: Environment Court may order taking of land Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- 186: Compulsory acquisition powers Amendments to provisions related to Environment Court and compulsory acquisition powers
- 196: Removal of heritage order Minor amendments to provisions related to heritage orders and water conservation orders
- 198AA: Time limits from which time periods are excluded in relation to designations and heritage orders Amendments to provisions related to time limits and excluded time periods
- 198E: Environment Court decides Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 198K: Environment Court decides Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 198L: Residual powers of territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to schedules and transitional provisions
- 214: Making of water conservation order Minor amendments to provisions related to heritage orders and water conservation orders
- 215: Minister's obligation to state reasons for not accepting recommendation Minor amendments to provisions related to heritage orders and water conservation orders
- 217A: Purpose Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217B: Interpretation Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217C: Application of this Part Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217D: Farm must have freshwater farm plan if it meets land use threshold Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217E: Main duties of farm operators Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217G: Certification of freshwater farm plan Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217H: Audit of farm for compliance with freshwater farm plan Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217I: Functions of regional councils Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217J: Records that must be kept by regional council Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217L: Relationship between freshwater farm plan and specified instruments Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217M: Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 217KA: Minister may approve industry organisation to provide certification or audit services Introduction of new provisions related to freshwater farm plans and certification
- 314: Scope of enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 316: Application for enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 317: Notification of application Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 319: Decision on application Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 320: Interim enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 321: Change or cancellation of enforcement order Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 322: Scope of abatement notice Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders; Amendments to provisions related to power of entry for inspection and abatement notices
- 327: Issue and effect of excessive noise direction Amendments to provisions related to regulations and enforcement orders
- 329A: Interpretation Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330: Emergency works and power to take preventive or remedial action Amendments to provisions related to emergency works and power to take preventive or remedial action
- 330A: Resource consents for emergency works Amendments to provisions related to emergency works and power to take preventive or remedial action
- 330AAA: Modification of requirements in section 330(3) for authorities in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330AA: Modification of requirements in section 330A for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 330C: Modification of requirements in section 330B for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 331B: Owner or occupier of rural land may take emergency preventive or remedial measures Repeal of temporary provisions and related review requirements
- 332: Power of entry for inspection Amendments to provisions related to power of entry for inspection and abatement notices
- 338: Offences against this Act Amendments to provisions related to offences, penalties, and discharges from ships
- 339: Penalties Amendments to provisions related to offences, penalties, and discharges from ships
- 343: Discharges from ships Amendments to provisions related to offences, penalties, and discharges from ships
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Amendments to provisions related to service of documents and notices
- 350: Further provisions applying in respect of Commission Amendments to provisions related to service of documents and notices
- 352: Service of documents Amendments to provisions related to service of documents and notices
- 353: Notices and consents in relation to Maori land Amendments to provisions related to service of documents and notices
19 September 2024
- Amendments have been made to provisions related to pre-hearing meetings, public notification of consent applications, and declarations to clarify processes and procedures
- Updates have been made to provisions related to the power of entry for inspection and enforcement actions to reflect changes in compliance and enforcement activities
- Changes have been made to provisions related to coastal activities, including the power of the Minister of Conservation to give directions and the right of port companies to occupy coastal marine areas
- Amendments have been made to provisions related to deemed permits, regional rules, and time limits to clarify the operation of regional plans and the exclusion of time periods
- Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans have been expanded to include provisions for infringement offences, record-keeping, and the incorporation of material by reference
Affected provisions
- 95A: Public notification of consent applications Amendments have been made to provisions related to pre-hearing meetings, public notification of consent applications, and declarations to clarify processes and procedures
- 99: Pre-hearing meetings Amendments have been made to provisions related to pre-hearing meetings, public notification of consent applications, and declarations to clarify processes and procedures
- 198AA: Time limits from which time periods are excluded in relation to designations and heritage orders Amendments have been made to provisions related to deemed permits, regional rules, and time limits to clarify the operation of regional plans and the exclusion of time periods
- 217M: Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans have been expanded to include provisions for infringement offences, record-keeping, and the incorporation of material by reference
- 332: Power of entry for inspection Updates have been made to provisions related to the power of entry for inspection and enforcement actions to reflect changes in compliance and enforcement activities
- 343E: Terms used in this Part Updates have been made to provisions related to the power of entry for inspection and enforcement actions to reflect changes in compliance and enforcement activities
- 372: Power of Minister of Conservation to give directions relating to restricted coastal activities Changes have been made to provisions related to coastal activities, including the power of the Minister of Conservation to give directions and the right of port companies to occupy coastal marine areas
- 379: Declarations Amendments have been made to provisions related to pre-hearing meetings, public notification of consent applications, and declarations to clarify processes and procedures
- 384A: Right of port companies to occupy coastal marine area Changes have been made to provisions related to coastal activities, including the power of the Minister of Conservation to give directions and the right of port companies to occupy coastal marine areas
- 414: Deemed permits to be subject to regional rules Amendments have been made to provisions related to deemed permits, regional rules, and time limits to clarify the operation of regional plans and the exclusion of time periods
25 September 2024
- The notation '(Repealed)' has been removed from the title of Schedule 5
Affected provisions
- 5: Provisions applying in respect of the Hazards Control Commission The notation '(Repealed)' has been removed from the title of Schedule 5
20 May 2025
- Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- Amendments to provisions related to water management, including exceptions for emergency or training purposes
- Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- Changes to the process for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- Changes to the process for reviewing, changing, or revoking national policy statements
- Amendments to provisions related to disputes and inconsistencies
- Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- Changes to the process for preparing and issuing New Zealand coastal policy statements
- Amendments to provisions related to Maori land and freshwater management
- Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- Changes to the process for making rules under section 360D and fast-track applications
- Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and their preparation
Affected provisions
- DLM165AB Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- DLM165BB Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 2: Matters that may be provided for in policy statements and plans Changes to the process for reviewing, changing, or revoking national policy statements
- 5: Provisions applying in respect of the Hazards Control Commission Amendments to provisions related to Maori land and freshwater management
- 7: Regulations and orders revoked Amendments to provisions related to Maori land and freshwater management
- 14: Restrictions relating to water Amendments to provisions related to water management, including exceptions for emergency or training purposes
- 17A: Recognised customary activity may be exercised in accordance with any controls Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- 32: Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments; Changes to the process for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 32A: Failure to carry out evaluation Changes to the process for preparing and publishing evaluation reports
- 32AA: Requirements for undertaking and publishing further evaluations Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and their preparation
- 36A: No duty under this Act to consult about resource consent applications and notices of requirement Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 44: Restriction on power to make national environmental standards Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46A: Process for preparing national environmental standards and national policy statements Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 46B: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standard or national policy statement Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 47: Board of inquiry Amendments to provisions related to national environmental standards and national policy statements
- 47A: Board of inquiry to suspend consideration or consider additional material Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- 48: Public notification of proposal for national direction and inquiry Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- 49: Submissions to board of inquiry Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- 51: Matters to be considered and board of inquiry's report Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- 52: Consideration of recommendations and approval or withdrawal of statement Repeal of provisions related to boards of inquiry and submissions
- 53: Changes to or review or revocation of national policy statements Changes to the process for reviewing, changing, or revoking national policy statements
- 57: Preparation of New Zealand coastal policy statements Changes to the process for reviewing, changing, or revoking national policy statements; Changes to the process for preparing and issuing New Zealand coastal policy statements
- 58D: Preparation of national planning standards Changes to the process for preparing and publishing evaluation reports; Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and their preparation
- 58E: Approval of national planning standard Changes to the process for preparing and publishing evaluation reports; Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and their preparation
- 58A: Incorporation of material by reference in New Zealand coastal policy statements Changes to the process for reviewing, changing, or revoking national policy statements; Changes to the process for preparing and issuing New Zealand coastal policy statements
- 58H: Changing, replacing, or revoking national planning standards Changes to the process for making rules under section 360D and fast-track applications; Amendments to provisions related to national planning standards and their preparation
- 79AA: Application of temporary provisions in respect of section 79 Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 82: Disputes Amendments to provisions related to disputes and inconsistencies
- 82A: Dispute relating to review under section 79A Amendments to provisions related to disputes and inconsistencies
- 85A: Plan or proposed plan must not include certain rules Amendments to provisions related to disputes and inconsistencies
- 104F: Implementation of national environmental standards Amendments to provisions related to water management, including exceptions for emergency or training purposes
- 107E: Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 107A: Restrictions on grant of resource consents Amendments to provisions related to water management, including exceptions for emergency or training purposes
- 107B: Provision for certain infrastructure works and related operations Amendments to provisions related to water management, including exceptions for emergency or training purposes
- 133: Powers under Part 12 not affected Amendments to provisions related to disputes and inconsistencies
- 149C: EPA must give public notice of Minister's direction Changes to the process for preparing and issuing New Zealand coastal policy statements
- 149E: EPA to receive submissions on matter if public notice of direction has been given Changes to the process for preparing and issuing New Zealand coastal policy statements
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Repeal of various provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 165D: Power of consent authorities to refuse to receive applications for coastal permits Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 196: Removal of heritage order Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 198F: Residual powers of territorial authority Amendments to provisions related to Maori land and freshwater management
- 214: Making of water conservation order Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 215: Minister's obligation to state reasons for not accepting recommendation Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 329A: Interpretation Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 330AAA: Modification of requirements in section 330(3) for authorities in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 330AA: Modification of requirements in section 330A for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 330C: Modification of requirements in section 330B for activities undertaken in affected areas Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 331B: Owner or occupier of rural land may take emergency preventive or remedial measures Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 331C: Requirement for owner or occupier to give notice to relevant consent authority Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 331E: Enforcement proceedings Repeal of temporary provisions related to section 79 and affected areas
- 338: Offences against this Act Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 343: Discharges from ships Repeal of provisions related to heritage orders and coastal occupation charges
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 350: Further provisions applying in respect of Commission Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 353: Notices and consents in relation to Maori land Amendments to provisions related to Maori land and freshwater management
- 360G: Regulations relating to fast-track applications Changes to the process for making rules under section 360D and fast-track applications
- 360E: Procedures relevant to making rules under section 360D Changes to the process for making rules under section 360D and fast-track applications
24 May 2025
- Repeal of provisions related to coastal permits and aquaculture management areas
- Repeal of provisions related to adverse effects assessment and national policy statements
- Repeal of provisions related to implementation of national environmental standards
- Repeal of provisions related to restrictions on grant of resource consents and infrastructure works
- Repeal of provisions related to environmental protection and governance
- Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and enforcement proceedings
Affected provisions
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Repeal of provisions related to adverse effects assessment and national policy statements
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Repeal of provisions related to environmental protection and governance
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Repeal of provisions related to environmental protection and governance
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Repeal of provisions related to adverse effects assessment and national policy statements
- 70B: Implementation of national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to implementation of national environmental standards
- 104F: Implementation of national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to implementation of national environmental standards
- 107A: Restrictions on grant of resource consents Repeal of provisions related to restrictions on grant of resource consents and infrastructure works
- 107B: Provision for certain infrastructure works and related operations Repeal of provisions related to restrictions on grant of resource consents and infrastructure works
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Repeal of provisions related to coastal permits and aquaculture management areas
- 165AB: Establishment of aquaculture management areas Repeal of provisions related to coastal permits and aquaculture management areas
- 331E: Enforcement proceedings Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and enforcement proceedings
- 343: Discharges from ships Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and enforcement proceedings
- 348: Membership of Commission Repeal of provisions related to environmental protection and governance
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Repeal of provisions related to environmental protection and governance
6 August 2025
- Repeal of provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- Repeal of provisions related to the incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards and policy statements
- Repeal of provisions related to the implementation of national environmental standards
- Repeal of provisions related to resource consents and infrastructure works
- Repeal of provisions related to leases and cross leases
- Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and membership of the Commission
- Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- Repeal of provisions related to fast-track applications and rule-making procedures
- Repeal of provisions related to emergency preventive or remedial measures on rural land
Affected provisions
- DLM107A Repeal of provisions related to resource consents and infrastructure works
- DLM107B Repeal of provisions related to resource consents and infrastructure works
- 17A: Recognised customary activity may be exercised in accordance with any controls Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Repeal of provisions related to recognised customary activities and adverse effects assessments
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Repeal of provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority
- 43G: Incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to the incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards and policy statements
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Repeal of provisions related to the incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards and policy statements
- 58A: Incorporation of material by reference in New Zealand coastal policy statements Repeal of provisions related to the incorporation of material by reference in national environmental standards and policy statements
- 70B: Implementation of national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to the implementation of national environmental standards
- 104F: Implementation of national environmental standards Repeal of provisions related to the implementation of national environmental standards
- 107E: Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area Repeal of provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 107A: Restrictions on grant of resource consents Repeal of provisions related to the implementation of national environmental standards
- 107B: Provision for certain infrastructure works and related operations Repeal of provisions related to the implementation of national environmental standards
- 165AB: Establishment of aquaculture management areas Repeal of provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Repeal of provisions related to aquaculture management areas
- 244: Company leases and cross leases Repeal of provisions related to leases and cross leases
- 331B: Owner or occupier of rural land may take emergency preventive or remedial measures Repeal of provisions related to emergency preventive or remedial measures on rural land
- 331C: Requirement for owner or occupier to give notice to relevant consent authority Repeal of provisions related to emergency preventive or remedial measures on rural land
- 331E: Enforcement proceedings Repeal of provisions related to emergency preventive or remedial measures on rural land
- 343: Discharges from ships Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and membership of the Commission
- 348: Membership of Commission Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and membership of the Commission
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and membership of the Commission
- 350: Further provisions applying in respect of Commission Repeal of provisions related to discharges from ships and membership of the Commission
- 360E: Procedures relevant to making rules under section 360D Repeal of provisions related to fast-track applications and rule-making procedures
- 360G: Regulations relating to fast-track applications Repeal of provisions related to fast-track applications and rule-making procedures
9 September 2025
- Multiple provisions related to aquaculture management have been repealed
- Provisions related to environmental standards and policy statements have been repealed
- Provisions related to infrastructure works, discharges, and enforcement have been repealed
- Provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority have been repealed
- Provisions related to adverse effects assessment, coastal permits, and commission membership have been repealed
Affected provisions
- 17B: Adverse effects assessment Provisions related to adverse effects assessment, coastal permits, and commission membership have been repealed
- 42B: Establishment of Environmental Protection Authority Provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority have been repealed
- 42D: Secretary for the Environment to exercise functions of EPA Provisions related to the Environmental Protection Authority have been repealed
- 46: Proposed national policy statement Provisions related to environmental standards and policy statements have been repealed
- 70B: Implementation of national environmental standards Provisions related to environmental standards and policy statements have been repealed
- 104F: Implementation of national environmental standards Provisions related to environmental standards and policy statements have been repealed
- 107E: Decision on application to undertake non-aquaculture activity in aquaculture management area Multiple provisions related to aquaculture management have been repealed
- 107B: Provision for certain infrastructure works and related operations Provisions related to infrastructure works, discharges, and enforcement have been repealed
- 165BB: Some applications for coastal permits must be cancelled Multiple provisions related to aquaculture management have been repealed
- 165AB: Establishment of aquaculture management areas Multiple provisions related to aquaculture management have been repealed
- 331E: Enforcement proceedings Provisions related to infrastructure works, discharges, and enforcement have been repealed
- 343: Discharges from ships Provisions related to infrastructure works, discharges, and enforcement have been repealed
- 348: Membership of Commission Provisions related to adverse effects assessment, coastal permits, and commission membership have been repealed
- 349: Compliance with policy directions Provisions related to adverse effects assessment, coastal permits, and commission membership have been repealed
10 September 2025
- New definitions have been inserted for various terms in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991
- The Minister for the Environment's powers to investigate and make recommendations have been amended
- Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports have been introduced
- Administrative charges have been updated to include new categories and payment requirements
- Enforcement officer authorisation and responsibilities have been amended
- National environmental standards have been updated to include new conditions for aquaculture activities
- Local authority recognition of national policy statements has been amended
- Rules about discharges have been updated to remove references to floatable or suspended materials
- Review of policy statements and plans has been amended to exclude certain subsections until 2027
- Consent authority powers to consider applications have been updated
- Duration and lapsing of consents have been amended to include new exceptions and timeframes
- Change or cancellation of consent conditions have been updated to include new exceptions and requirements
- Definitions have been amended to include new terms and update existing ones
- Notices of requirement to territorial authorities have been updated to include new requirements
- Lapsing of designations has been amended to increase timeframes
- Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- Abatement notices have been amended to include national environmental standards
- Emergency works and powers to take preventive or remedial action have been updated
- Penalties for offences have been increased
- Service of documents has been revised to include new methods
- Regulations have been amended to include new provisions for infrastructure and long-lived infrastructure
- Schedule 1 has been updated to include new requirements for regional councils
- Rules in proposed plans have been amended to include new categories and exemptions
- Classes of activities have been updated to include new considerations
- Freshwater planning process has been amended to extend deadlines and remove requirements
- Limitations on IPIs and ISPP have been amended to permit withdrawal
- Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans have been amended to prescribe new requirements
Affected provisions
- 1: Preparation, change, and review of policy statements and plans Schedule 1 has been updated to include new requirements for regional councils
- 2: Interpretation New definitions have been inserted for various terms in section 2(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991
- 24A: Power of Minister for the Environment to investigate and make recommendations The Minister for the Environment's powers to investigate and make recommendations have been amended
- 25: Residual powers of Minister for the Environment The Minister for the Environment's powers to investigate and make recommendations have been amended
- 25A: Minister may direct preparation of plan, document, change, or variation The Minister for the Environment's powers to investigate and make recommendations have been amended
- 32: Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports have been introduced
- 36: Administrative charges Administrative charges have been updated to include new categories and payment requirements
- 38: Authorisation and responsibilities of enforcement officers Enforcement officer authorisation and responsibilities have been amended
- 43A: Contents of national environmental standards National environmental standards have been updated to include new conditions for aquaculture activities
- 55: Local authority recognition of national policy statements Local authority recognition of national policy statements has been amended
- 70: Rules about discharges Rules about discharges have been updated to remove references to floatable or suspended materials
- 79: Review of policy statements and plans Review of policy statements and plans has been amended to exclude certain subsections until 2027
- 80A: Freshwater planning process Freshwater planning process has been amended to extend deadlines and remove requirements
- 80B: Purpose, scope, application of Schedule 1, and definitions Freshwater planning process has been amended to extend deadlines and remove requirements
- 80C: Application to responsible Minister for direction relating to planning instrument Freshwater planning process has been amended to extend deadlines and remove requirements
- 80G: Limitations on IPIs and ISPP Limitations on IPIs and ISPP have been amended to permit withdrawal
- 86B: When rules in proposed plans have legal effect Rules in proposed plans have been amended to include new categories and exemptions
- 86D: Environment Court may order rule to have legal effect from date other than standard date Rules in proposed plans have been amended to include new categories and exemptions
- 87A: Classes of activities Classes of activities have been updated to include new considerations
- 92B: Responses to notification Consent authority powers to consider applications have been updated
- 104: Consideration of applications Consent authority powers to consider applications have been updated
- 106: Consent authority may refuse subdivision consent in certain circumstances Consent authority powers to consider applications have been updated
- 108: Conditions of resource consents Consent authority powers to consider applications have been updated
- 123: Duration of consent Duration and lapsing of consents have been amended to include new exceptions and timeframes
- 125: Lapsing of consents Duration and lapsing of consents have been amended to include new exceptions and timeframes
- 127: Change or cancellation of consent condition on application by consent holder Duration and lapsing of consents have been amended to include new exceptions and timeframes
- 128: Circumstances when consent conditions can be reviewed Change or cancellation of consent conditions have been updated to include new exceptions and requirements
- 165ZFHI: Power to undertake review Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans have been amended to prescribe new requirements
- 166: Definitions Definitions have been amended to include new terms and update existing ones
- 168: Notice of requirement to territorial authority Notices of requirement to territorial authorities have been updated to include new requirements
- 168A: Notice of requirement by territorial authority Notices of requirement to territorial authorities have been updated to include new requirements
- 171: Recommendation by territorial authority Notices of requirement to territorial authorities have been updated to include new requirements
- 184: Lapsing of designations which have not been given effect to Lapsing of designations has been amended to increase timeframes
- 184A: Lapsing of designations of territorial authority in its own district Lapsing of designations has been amended to increase timeframes
- 217A: Purpose Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217B: Interpretation Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217D: Farm must have freshwater farm plan if it meets land use threshold Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217E: Main duties of farm operators Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217G: Certification of freshwater farm plan Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217H: Audit of farm for compliance with freshwater farm plan Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217I: Functions of regional councils Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217J: Records that must be kept by regional council Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217L: Relationship between freshwater farm plan and specified instruments Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 217M: Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions; Regulations relating to freshwater farm plans have been amended to prescribe new requirements
- 217KA: Minister may approve industry organisation to provide certification or audit services Freshwater farm plans have been updated to remove certification requirements and include new provisions
- 314: Scope of enforcement order Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- 316: Application for enforcement order Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- 319: Decision on application Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- 320: Interim enforcement order Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- 321: Change or cancellation of enforcement order Enforcement orders have been updated to include new categories and powers
- 322: Scope of abatement notice Abatement notices have been amended to include national environmental standards
- 330: Emergency works and power to take preventive or remedial action Emergency works and powers to take preventive or remedial action have been updated
- 330A: Resource consents for emergency works Emergency works and powers to take preventive or remedial action have been updated
- 339: Penalties Penalties for offences have been increased
- 352: Service of documents Service of documents has been revised to include new methods
- 360: Regulations Regulations have been amended to include new provisions for infrastructure and long-lived infrastructure
29 October 2025
- New definitions for infrastructure design solution, stormwater environmental performance standard, and wastewater environmental performance standard have been added to the interpretation provision
- Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- Requirements for consent authorities considering resource consent applications related to wastewater and stormwater networks have been updated
- Matters that can be considered when determining resource consent applications have been expanded to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- Exemptions from certain restrictions and requirements have been introduced for activities that comply with wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- Considerations for resource consent conditions have been updated to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- Duration of consent and exercise of resource consent while applying for a new consent have been updated for activities meeting wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- Circumstances under which consent conditions can be reviewed have been expanded to include changes to wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards
- Definitions and requirements related to requiring authorities and water service providers have been updated
- Provisions related to notices of requirement, public notification, and territorial authority recommendations have been amended to account for infrastructure design solutions
- Appeals and Environment Court decisions must now comply with updated provisions related to infrastructure design solutions and environmental performance standards
- Compensation for land acquisition and compulsory acquisition powers have been updated
- Consultation requirements for policy statements and plans have been updated to include water organisations
- Classes of activities and public notification criteria have been updated to include national environmental standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- Transitional, savings, and related provisions have been updated to include provisions for applicants operating under section 124 and the application of wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards
Affected provisions
- 1: Preparation, change, and review of policy statements and plans Consultation requirements for policy statements and plans have been updated to include water organisations
- 2: Interpretation New definitions for infrastructure design solution, stormwater environmental performance standard, and wastewater environmental performance standard have been added to the interpretation provision
- 9: Restrictions on use of land Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- 12: Restrictions on use of coastal marine area Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- 12: Transitional, savings, and related provisions Transitional, savings, and related provisions have been updated to include provisions for applicants operating under section 124 and the application of wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards
- 13: Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- 14: Restrictions relating to water Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- 15: Discharge of contaminants into environment Exceptions for activities permitted by wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions have been added to restrictions on land use
- 87A: Classes of activities Classes of activities and public notification criteria have been updated to include national environmental standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 95A: Public notification of consent applications Classes of activities and public notification criteria have been updated to include national environmental standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, wastewater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 104: Consideration of applications Requirements for consent authorities considering resource consent applications related to wastewater and stormwater networks have been updated
- 104A: Determination of applications for controlled activities Matters that can be considered when determining resource consent applications have been expanded to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 104C: Determination of applications for restricted discretionary activities Matters that can be considered when determining resource consent applications have been expanded to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 105: Matters relevant to certain applications Exemptions from certain restrictions and requirements have been introduced for activities that comply with wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- 107: Restriction on grant of certain discharge permits Exemptions from certain restrictions and requirements have been introduced for activities that comply with wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- 108: Conditions of resource consents Considerations for resource consent conditions have been updated to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 108AA: Requirements for conditions of resource consents Considerations for resource consent conditions have been updated to include wastewater environmental performance standards, stormwater environmental performance standards, and infrastructure design solutions
- 123: Duration of consent Duration of consent and exercise of resource consent while applying for a new consent have been updated for activities meeting wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- 124: Exercise of resource consent while applying for new consent Duration of consent and exercise of resource consent while applying for a new consent have been updated for activities meeting wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards, or infrastructure design solutions
- 128: Circumstances when consent conditions can be reviewed Circumstances under which consent conditions can be reviewed have been expanded to include changes to wastewater or stormwater environmental performance standards
- 166: Definitions Definitions and requirements related to requiring authorities and water service providers have been updated
- 168A: Notice of requirement by territorial authority Provisions related to notices of requirement, public notification, and territorial authority recommendations have been amended to account for infrastructure design solutions
- 169: Further information, notification, submissions, and hearing for notice of requirement to territorial authority Provisions related to notices of requirement, public notification, and territorial authority recommendations have been amended to account for infrastructure design solutions
- 171: Recommendation by territorial authority Provisions related to notices of requirement, public notification, and territorial authority recommendations have been amended to account for infrastructure design solutions
- 174: Appeals Appeals and Environment Court decisions must now comply with updated provisions related to infrastructure design solutions and environmental performance standards
- 176A: Outline plan Appeals and Environment Court decisions must now comply with updated provisions related to infrastructure design solutions and environmental performance standards
- 185: Environment Court may order taking of land Compensation for land acquisition and compulsory acquisition powers have been updated
- 186: Compulsory acquisition powers Compensation for land acquisition and compulsory acquisition powers have been updated
- 198E: Environment Court decides Appeals and Environment Court decisions must now comply with updated provisions related to infrastructure design solutions and environmental performance standards
- 198K: Environment Court decides Appeals and Environment Court decisions must now comply with updated provisions related to infrastructure design solutions and environmental performance standards
3 December 2025
- New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- The schedule of acts with statutory acknowledgements has been updated to include the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025
- A minor rephrasing for clarity has been made to the provision regarding the extension of extant wastewater consents, with no substantive legal change
- A technical amendment has been made to remove a jurisdiction reference from a transitional provision
Affected provisions
- 4: Information required in application for resource consent New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- 11: Acts that include statutory acknowledgements The schedule of acts with statutory acknowledgements has been updated to include the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025
- 12: Transitional, savings, and related provisions A technical amendment has been made to remove a jurisdiction reference from a transitional provision
- 37: Power of waiver and extension of time limits New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- 88: Making an application New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- 92: Further information, or agreement, may be requested New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- 92A: Responses to request New requirements and restrictions have been introduced for processing and deciding resource consent applications, particularly for wood processing and energy activities
- 139C: Extension of extant wastewater consents A minor rephrasing for clarity has been made to the provision regarding the extension of extant wastewater consents, with no substantive legal change
7 January 2026
- A new provision has been added to specify the period of a resource consent to which section 123C applies
Affected provisions
- 123: Duration of consent A new provision has been added to specify the period of a resource consent to which section 123C applies