Articles

Greenfield growth: Government’s grand plans for housing

The coalition Government has announced several additional, short-term changes aimed at making greenfield development easier.

Apr 104 min read

RMA replacement announced (...again)

The Government has unveiled its plans to replace the RMA with two new Acts. These put property rights at the heart of the system.

Mar 264 min read

Have wildlife permits become roadkill?

The High Court has clarified the limits of issuing permits under section 53 of the Wildlife Act 1953 for the killing of protected wildlife.

Mar 133 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 20, 20243 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 17, 20245 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 11, 20243 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.

Dec 5, 20245 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.

Nov 8, 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.

Oct 24, 20244 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...

Aug 26, 20241 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’...

Jul 11, 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...

Apr 30, 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...

Mar 12, 20243 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 27, 20234 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...

Nov 23, 20233 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...

Sep 1, 20234 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...

Aug 31, 20232 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...

Jun 30, 20235 min read