29615 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

29615 (2025). Lan Pham to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: How, if at all, is the Government working to contribute to inclusive and sustainable urbanisation that enhances native biodiversity and human wellbeing?

Hon Chris Bishop: The Government acknowledges the importance of green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas, and will consider the role of these more broadly in our reform of the Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA). In replacing the RMA with a Planning Act and a Natural Environment Act, we will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure as well as protect the environment. The new Planning Act will enable the urban and infrastructure development New Zealand needs, while the Natural Environment Act will focus on the use, protection, and enhancement of the natural environment. As part of this reform, we will also be considering the role of spatial planning. More immediately, we are shortly going to consult on our Going for Housing Growth proposals, which aim to tackle New Zealand's housing storage and ensure our urban environments are thriving, liveable and affordable, and provide for well functioning urban environments. Currently, the NPS-UD requires local authorities to make decisions to contribute to well-functioning urban environments, which includes, among other things, accessibility between housing, jobs, community services, natural spaces, and open spaces. Our Going for Housing Growth proposals will have a focus on freeing up land for development, improving funding and financing of infrastructure, and providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth. We will be seeking feedback on how these requirements should fit into the future resource management system.