71026 (2024). Steve Abel to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

71026 (2024). Steve Abel to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Was policy development on urban trees occurring when the Minister took office, and if so, has this policy development now stopped?

Hon Chris Bishop: At the time I took office, there was policy development to require regional level planning to identify and increase the quantity of canopy cover in urban areas. This work was to implement the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (NBEA). The NBEA, which has since been repealed, identified green space (and urban trees) as a specific matter that required new national direction. This policy development work is currently on hold. The Government is taking a phased approach to resource management reform and has committed to replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) with legislation based on the enjoyment of property rights, while ensuring good environmental outcomes as our guiding principle. Phase Three of resource management reform will include a whole-of-system review of the RMA, and the introduction of two replacement Acts: one to manage environmental effects, and the other to enable urban development and infrastructure. I have established an Expert Advisory Group tasked with developing a practical plan for replacing the RMA that officials can then turn into new legislation. This blueprint is due before the end of December this 2024. There will be opportunities through the Phase Three process to look at urban trees and green spaces in the resource management system.