The proposed replacement for the RMA
Planning Bill
Bill before ParliamentProposed to replace the planning parts of the RMA: land use plans and planning consents.
“This Act comes into force on the day after Royal assent, with some exceptions.”
Natural Environment Bill
Bill before ParliamentProposed to replace the natural resource parts of the RMA: water, coast, natural resource permits and freshwater farm plans.
“This Act comes into force on the day after Royal assent, with some exceptions.”
These are bills. Until Parliament passes them and they come into force, the Resource Management Act 1991 and the rules made under it apply.
Changes in force since 2025
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry) Amendment Regulations 2026
In forceAmends the commercial forestry rules.
“These regulations come into force on 4 June 2026.”
Resource Management (Freshwater Farm Plans) Amendment Regulations 2026
In forceAmends the freshwater farm plan rules.
“These regulations come into force on 26 May 2026.”
Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Amendment Regulations 2026
In forceAmends the stock exclusion rules.
“These regulations come into force on 7 May 2026.”
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Regulations 2025
In forceNational rules for small detached minor residential units in some zones, including rural zones.
“These regulations come into force on 15 January 2026.”
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Amendment Regulations 2025
In forceAmends the freshwater rules.
“These regulations come into force on 15 January 2026.”
Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025
In forceChanges to consenting under the RMA, including freshwater farm plan settings.
“This Act comes into force on 21 August 2025 , except as provided in this section.”
Other national rules we track
Resource Management Act 1991
In forceThe planning and resource law that councils apply today, until any replacement takes effect.
“Sections 18 to 23 come into force on the day after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent.”
National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards 2025
In forceHow councils must plan for natural hazards, including on new rural subdivision and building.
Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Regulations 2020
In forceRules keeping stock out of waterways and wetlands.
“These regulations come into force on 3 September 2020.”
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry) Regulations 2017
In forceNational rules for plantation forestry: afforestation, harvesting and slash.
“These regulations come into force on 1 May 2018.”
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020
In forceNational rules for activities near wetlands and rivers, and some farming practices.
“These regulations come into force on 3 September 2020.”
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 – Amended October 2024
In forceNational direction councils must follow when managing freshwater, including wetlands.
Resource Management (Freshwater Farm Plans) Regulations 2023
In forceWhen a farm needs a freshwater farm plan.
“These regulations come into force on 1 August 2023.”
National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023
In forceHow councils identify and protect significant indigenous vegetation and habitats, which can include areas on private rural land.
Not confirmed
We couldn’t confirm the current status of the nps-highly-productive-land, so it isn’t shown.
Whether a rule applies to a particular block depends on its zone, its use and what is on it. Each Lotline report says which of these may touch the block it covers. This page is not legal advice.