11409 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

11409 (2026). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: How will the regulatory relief regime in the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill interact with a council's statutory obligation to protect areas of significant environmental, cultural, or heritage value?

Hon Chris Bishop: The intent of the regulatory relief regime is for councils to consider the impact of specified planning controls on landowners' reasonable use of land when they are developing plans. Regulatory relief does not prohibit councils from implementing obligations within the Bills to protect certain matters.