Govt Law Changes Streamline Mining, Quarrying and Coastal Consents to Unlock Infrastructure Growth

The changes reduce duplication and remove conflicting language across national planning instruments—long a source of delays and uncertainty for infrastructure and resource projects.

 

Major reforms to New Zealand’s planning rules aimed at speeding up infrastructure development and strengthening resource supply chains have officially become law today, the Government announced.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Resources Minister Shane Jones, and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka confirmed that changes to five key National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act (RMA) are now in force—making it easier to consent mines, quarries, and coastal activities critical to economic growth.

The amended instruments include:

• National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023

• National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020

• National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Regulations 2020

• National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022

• New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

“It is an unavoidable fact that to build more infrastructure and grow our economy, we need quarries and mines,” Bishop said. “The RMA has made it far too difficult for these projects to get consent, which is why we are fixing it.”

Faster Consenting, Less Red Tape

The changes reduce duplication and remove conflicting language across national planning instruments—long a source of delays and uncertainty for infrastructure and resource projects.

“These reforms enable the planning system to function more efficiently,” Bishop said. “They allow New Zealanders to see the benefits of a simpler, more enabling system now, rather than waiting for the full rollout of the new planning framework.”

The reforms follow extensive public consultation in 2024 and represent the first tranche of revised National Direction designed to integrate cleanly into the Government’s forthcoming replacement for the RMA.

Mining and Quarrying Recognised as Strategic Activities

Resources Minister Shane Jones said the changes reflect a broader view of resource development as a foundation for national prosperity.

“We’re ensuring that quarrying and mining are consistently treated as strategic activities that meet national and regional mineral needs, drive economic growth, and support development—while still being carried out responsibly,” Jones said.

“Developing our resources doesn’t begin and end with extraction. It’s about securing supply chains, boosting exports, and delivering long-term benefits for New Zealanders.”

Boost for Renewables, Aquaculture and Coastal Industries

The reforms also include coastal policy changes that streamline consenting for renewable electricity generation, electricity transmission, aquaculture, and other marine-based activities.

“By streamlining the consenting process for these vital sectors, we’re unlocking new potential in sustainable energy and coastal industries, while maintaining strong environmental safeguards,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said.

Jones added that the changes support the Government’s commitment to grow aquaculture into a $3 billion-a-year industry by 2035.

“The NZCPS amendments will better support aquaculture growth and strengthen how councils provide for settlement space under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act,” he said. “This will enable greater Māori participation and allow marine farmers to focus on producing world-class kaimoana.”

The Government says the reforms strike a balance between environmental protection and the urgent need to deliver infrastructure, energy, and economic growth across New Zealand.