Replacing the Resource Management Act: Risks and Solutions

EDS’s latest report exploring the fundamental questions for ‘phase 3’ resource management law reform is being launched in Auckland on Monday 1 September, and Wellington on Wednesday 3 September.

This report is intended to inform the government’s efforts to replace the RMA with two new laws: a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act. It follows previous policy work on resource management reform which can be viewed on our website here.

The report, authored by Dr Greg Severinsen and informed by international comparators, critiques seven key shifts envisaged for a future system, and offers workable solutions.

A narrower scope
Splitting the RMA into statutes for planning and environment
A new framework for regulatory takings
A new set of purposes and principles
A framework for environmental limits
Statutory spatial planning
A more standardised system.

The Auckland launch will include a presentation by Dr Greg Severinsen, followed by a panel discussion with:

Simon Court, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform
Liz Moncrieff, Lead Advocacy Officer, New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
John Duguid, General Manager, Planning and Resource Consents, Auckland Council
Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy & Strategy, Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA).

The report will be available in pdf format, and a limited number of hard copies will be printed. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to collect a hard copy of the report at the launch.

Date: Monday 1 September 2025

Venue: Bell Gully, Deloitte Centre, 1 Queen Street, Auckland 1010

Time: 5.00pm - 7.30pm (presentation starts at 5.30pm sharp, drinks & nibbles provided)

Cost: No charge but registration is essential

RSVP: Please secure your place by COB Wednesday 27 August