Resource Management Act (RMA) stories
A new report says devolving housing and transport could improve delivery, while central government keeps most tax revenue and oversight.
Businesses and environmental groups say the overhaul could finally fix a dated system unable to handle growth, housing pressure and climate risks.
Poor planning is driving up housing costs and holding back productivity, according to Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Stephen Selwood.
Affordable housing will remain out of reach unless ministers back new greenfield development and broader planning reform, an expert warns.
Contractors say New Zealand’s ageing water networks need faster decisions, after ministers deferred reforms and left regulation unresolved until late 2019.
New Zealand could slash transport emissions by up to 88% by 2050 if policymakers back a faster switch to electric and renewable fuel vehicles.
Auckland faces a 50,000-home shortfall as Infrastructure New Zealand warns the urban growth plan must avoid political stand-off to work.
A cloud-based compliance platform is giving the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and contractor a single live view of consents on the $709.5m motorway.
Businesses want more roads, rail and broadband investment, but most doubt the current plan will deliver the best economic outcomes.
Transport bottlenecks and planning delays are among the pressures driving calls for more infrastructure investment across New Zealand.
Business leaders say transport bottlenecks and planning delays are constraining growth as most back higher public-private infrastructure spending.
Up to 60,000 new homes could be built years earlier after the government backed roads and waterworks in five fast-growing councils.
New Zealand could stretch its GBP £16 billion infrastructure push further by copying Scotland’s simpler planning and delivery model, Infrastructure NZ says.
Broad agreement emerged in Wellington that cleaner waterways will require years of coordinated spending, science and shared responsibility across sectors.
Lawyers warn new housing rules could weaken submissions, hearings and appeals, leaving communities with less say over environmental decisions.
The bridge’s award haul underlines how a reclaimed Onehunga foreshore has reconnected locals with the sea while easing access across SH20.
Political risks around Urban Development Authorities may be justified, but heavy consultation and funding gaps could blunt their impact.
Broad reform of planning and resource laws is needed to unlock growth, curb frustration and protect the environment as New Zealand expands.
Planners face fresh pressure from fast-moving reforms, housing demand and hazard risks as more than 600 delegates gather in Wellington.
The report is seen as a warning that New Zealand’s planning rules are failing cities and could hamper future development unless reform is coherent.
