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Articles

Dec 20, 20243 min read
Fast-track Approvals Act: Greenlight for Growth
The Fast-track Approvals Act has passed. Amendments at the Bill's final stage have reshaped the Act, affecting substance and process.


Dec 17, 20245 min read
RMA Reform: Unwrapping Phase 2 this Christmas
A new RMA amendment Bill proposes significant process changes that will affect infrastructure, energy, housing, and the primary sector.


Dec 11, 20243 min read
From Farms to Forests: Rules Restrict Conversions
The Government has announced key changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), placing new restrictions on farm-to-forestry conversions.


Dec 5, 20245 min read
Supreme Court wades into seabed issue: Part 1
The Supreme Court recently issued its first decision considering applications under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.


Nov 8, 20244 min read
Furore in the South over Permitted Activity Rule
A furore has erupted between Federated Farmers and Fish & Game. The Government has stepped in announcing further reform to the RMA.


Oct 24, 20244 min read
Fast-Track Approvals Bill: Update
This month there have been two major developments associated with the Fast-track Approvals Bill. We unpack these developments.


Aug 26, 20241 min read
RMA reforms: Phase Two (…déjà vu?)
The Government has announced it is to progress its Phase Two RMA reforms later this year. The Phase Two reforms aim to improve economic...


Aug 26, 20241 min read
Fast-track change of direction
Ministers Bishop and Jones recently announced changes to the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The headline change is to remove ultimate...


Jul 11, 20243 min read
Going for gold: new ‘Going for Housing Growth’ Policy
The Government has recently unveiled its agenda to “fix the housing crisis”, with the announcement of its ‘Going for Housing Growth’...


Apr 30, 20243 min read
East West Link goes south
The Supreme Court recently released its much-anticipated decision on the East West Link project (“EWL”) – the proposal by NZ Transport...


Mar 13, 20243 min read
ON THE (EVEN FASTER) TRACK: GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES FAST-TRACK APPROVALS BILL
The Fast-track Approvals Bill has been introduced to Parliament. Forming part of the coalition Government’s 100-day plan, the Bill seeks...


Nov 27, 20234 min read
Tsunami of Recent National Direction Continues with release of Proposed NPS-NHD
The mosaic of national policy statements is set to increase further with the release of the proposed National Policy Statement for...


Nov 24, 20233 min read
The RMA - return of the walking dead
One of the final acts of the previous government was to push through the Natural and Built Environment Act (“NBEA”) and the Spatial...


Sep 1, 20234 min read
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: SUPREME COURT RESTORES BALANCE TO INTERPRETING DIRECTIVE POLICIES
Summary and comment The Supreme Court recently issued its judgment in Port Otago Ltd v Environmental Defence Society Inc.,[1] and it’s...


Aug 31, 20232 min read
RM reforms a reality
The Natural and Built Environment Act (“NBEA”) and Spatial Planning Act (“SPA”) received Royal Assent on 23 August 2023, formally passing...

Jun 30, 20235 min read
Avoid vs Enable – The High Court provides some welcome balance
The High Court recently considered an appeal relating to a request by Southern Cross Healthcare Ltd (“Southern Cross”) for a private plan...
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