The Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill, introduced to Parliament in December, follow the blueprint in their broad architecture. Consider property rights. The 2024 Cabinet paper said respect for property rights should be the default position under the new system. Without safeguards in the legislation, property rights are little more than a pious aspiration. The Government deserves real credit for getting RMA reform to this point in under three years.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 26, 2026 05:02 UTC