New Planning System to Cut Red Tape for Farmers and Boost Productivity

Hoggard says his many farm visits have shown the toll the old system took on rural communities.

The Government says its new planning system will significantly reduce paperwork for farmers and growers, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, and allow rural businesses to spend more time farming and less time dealing with compliance. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say the reforms are a long-awaited correction to a planning system that has hindered productivity and imposed heavy costs on rural New Zealand for decades.

Replacing the RMA With a System That Works for Rural NZ

The Government is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) with two new pieces of legislation:

• The Planning Bill, which regulates land use and enables development

• The Natural Environment Bill, which protects environmental values while ensuring efficient resource use

McClay says farmers and growers around the country have been clear: the old system was burdensome, costly, inflexible, and often prevented them from adopting new technology or improving their land.

“Today’s announcement will make a world of difference to rural New Zealand. A common-sense planning system means farmers can meet their obligations while continuing to produce world-class food and fibre.”

Key Improvements for Farmers and Growers

1. Less Red Tape and Faster Consents

The new system strengthens property rights and cuts back on unnecessary rules. Farmers will:

• Face fewer resource consents

• Benefit from faster processing times

• Experience less regulatory intrusion into day-to-day farm operations

2. Simpler, Standardised Rules

Instead of navigating complex, region-specific planning rules, farmers will see:

• Clear, consistent regional standards

• Easy-to-understand requirements

• Reduced compliance complexity

This removes the “patchwork” of rules farmers currently face across different councils.

3. A Risk-Based Framework

Activities with low environmental risk will have minimal requirements or no consent at all. High-risk activities will still be managed, but with clearer expectations.

If an activity has less than minor environmental effects, no consent will be required.

4. Relief for Property Owners

When planning rules significantly restrict the use of rural land — for example through heritage controls or biodiversity designations — landowners will have access to formal relief mechanisms, reducing unfair burdens.

5. Farm Plans Will Replace Many Consents

Freshwater farm plans will become a central tool in the new system. These plans:

• Are farmer-led and flexible

• Identify environmental risks on each property

• Outline practical, tailored actions to manage those risks

• Give councils confidence that catchments are being managed sustainably

In high-pressure catchments, farm plans will help ensure environmental limits are met without forcing farmers through complex consent processes.

Supporting Investment, Innovation and Rural Jobs

McClay says the simplified system will give rural businesses the confidence to invest in:

• Higher-value land use

• State-of-the-art agricultural technology

• Improved management practices

• Supply chains that grow rural jobs

“Farmers and growers need a fair transition so they can keep farming without crippling consultant and RMA costs. The Government backs them to meet environmental obligations while continuing to generate the revenue New Zealand needs.”

Farmers’ Frustrations Heard and Addressed

Hoggard says his many farm visits have shown the toll the old system took on rural communities.

“The stories I hear are ones of frustration, despair, and enormous compliance costs. The new system is built on a simple principle: it’s your land — you have the right to use it.”

He says the reforms remove unnecessary rules that prevented farmers from innovating, including cases where regulatory barriers discouraged wetland creation and environmental enhancement.

“Farmers are already doing a huge amount for New Zealand’s economy and way of life. Our job is to make the rules practical, efficient and fit for purpose.”

Legislative Timeline

• The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill will be introduced to Parliament this afternoon.

• The Government aims to pass both into law by 2026.

• New Zealanders will be able to provide feedback through the Select Committee process.

The Government says the reforms will give rural New Zealand the certainty, flexibility, and fairness needed to support agriculture’s role as a cornerstone of the country’s economic recovery.