Urban Development News from the media | 22 July 2025 | Government to stop Council plan changes

Government to stop Council plan changes

he Government will stop councils wasting their officers’ time and their ratepayers’ money on plan changes in advance of the new planning system coming into force, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Resource Management Act (RMA) has crippled New Zealand for decades, and the Government’s planning system reforms are well underway to make it easier to get things done in New Zealand,” Mr Bishop says.

“We’ve already made a series of quick and targeted amendments to provide relief to our primary sector and passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to speed up the consenting process for projects with regional or nationally significant benefits. We’ve also opened consultation on sweeping changes to the regulations that sit under the RMA, and next month our second RMA Amendment Bill is expected to pass into law which will make important changes in the short-term to make it quicker and simpler to consent renewable energy, boost housing supply, and reduce red tape for the primary sector.

“Later this year the Government will introduce two new Acts to completely replace the RMA – one Act to focus on land-use planning and the second to focus on the natural environment. The new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure as well as protect the environment."

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-stop-council-plan-changes

Infrastructure projects to drive jobs and growth

Billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects getting underway in the next few months will drive economic activity and create thousands of jobs across the country, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say.

The Ministers today released an infrastructure update showing $6 billion of government-funded construction is due to start between now and Christmas.

“The projects getting underway include new roads, hospitals, schools, high-tech laboratories and other government buildings,” Nicola Willis says.

“That means spades in the ground, jobs throughout the country and a stronger economy. 

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure-projects-drive-jobs-and-growth

Going for growth with more overseas investment

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour welcomes the introduction of legislation to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to receive new investment, grow and pay higher wages. 

The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill has been introduced to the House.  

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive foreign investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that,” says Mr Seymour. 

“In 2023, New Zealand’s stock of foreign direct investment sat at just 39% of GDP, far below the OECD average of 52%. Investors are looking elsewhere, so we’re showing them why New Zealand is the best place to bring their ideas and capital. 

“International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.  

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/going-growth-more-overseas-investment#:~:text=The%20Overseas%20Investment%20,been%20introduced%20to%20the%20House

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