RMA Reform

RMA Reforms – What Do They Mean for You?

New Zealand is changing its main planning law, the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). This is the law that controls what can be built, where houses go, how land can be used and how water, air and the environment are protected.

The Government says the current system is too slow, too expensive and too complicated. The reforms are meant to make it faster to get things done, reduce red tape and give clearer rules for councils and property owners.  That sounds positive - but big changes like this can also affect everyday homeowners in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.

Why Should We Pay Attention?

Even if you’re not farming, developing land or renovating your home the RMA affects:

• Building a new home

• Adding a deck or extension

• Subdividing property

• Developing land near waterways or coastal areas

• Infrastructure in your community

When the rules change, the costs and requirements can change too. 

What Is the Concern About a “Water Tax”?

One issue raised publicly by Federated Farmers relates to whether the new environmental legislation could allow governments to charge for water use in the future.  They have warned that some wording in draft proposals could open the door to water charges not just for Farmers - this could hit homeowners as well. The Government has said it does not intend to introduce a water tax, however, the debate highlights a broader question: how environmental management will be funded in the future.
If councils are required to do more monitoring or meet stricter environmental standards, those costs have to be paid somehow - this would likely happen through rates, targeted charges or consent fees.

Where Could Homeowners Feel the Impact?

1. Building and Consent Costs: If new environmental standards are stricter (for example, around stormwater, flooding or water quality), building projects could require:

• More reports

• More engineering input

• More conditions

These can increase consent costs and project timelines.

2. Rates and Local Charges: If councils need to fund additional environmental monitoring, compliance, or infrastructure upgrades, they may:

• Increase general rates

• Introduce targeted rates

• Adjust infrastructure contributions

Even if there is no direct “water tax,” costs can still shift onto ratepayers.

3. Development Restrictions: If environmental limits are tightened in certain catchments or coastal areas, councils may:

• Restrict subdivision

• Limit development density

• Require mitigation measures

This can affect property values and what you’re allowed to do with your land.

4. Uncertainty During Transition: The system is expected to change over several years. During this transition:

• Planning processes may pause

• Rules may be unclear

• Councils may delay updates

Uncertainty can affect investment and building decisions.

Why This Conversation Matters

These reforms are one of the biggest changes to land-use planning in decades. While the goal is to simplify and speed things up, the detail will determine whether costs go up or down, whether rates can or will increase and if the consent processes become easier or more complex.
For homeowners and ratepayers, the key question isn’t just “Will the system be simpler?”  It’s: Who will pay for the changes and how will they affect what I can do with my property?

Staying informed now helps ensure local voices are heard before the rules are locked in.

Whanganui Residents & Ratepayers are hosting a public meeting with guest speakers - Carl Bates MP and Simon Court, Undersecretary RMA Reforms.  We would love to see you there.  For more details, check out our Events page