The replacement for the Resource Management Act has passed Parliament.
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill aim to reduce consenting requirements, standardise planning rules and strengthen property rights, with the Government estimating up to 45% of current consent applications could be eliminated.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the changes would make development simpler and cheaper. Labour and the Greens opposed the reforms, stating they could increase costs for councils and weaken environmental protections.
The updated system is expected to be fully operating by 2030.
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