National Environmental Standards Unveiled to Make Building on Māori Land Easier

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the new standards will create a single set of rules that applies across the country, helping reduce delays, uncertainty and costs for landowners looking to develop papakāinga housing.

The Government has introduced new National Environmental Standards for Papakāinga (NES-P), a move designed to make it simpler for Māori landowners to build homes on their ancestral land without facing a maze of different council regulations.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the new standards will create a single set of rules that applies across the country, helping reduce delays, uncertainty and costs for landowners looking to develop papakāinga housing. For years, planning requirements have differed between councils, leaving many whānau struggling to navigate complex processes before they could build on land that has often been in their families for generations.

Up to 10 Homes Allowed on Ancestral Land

Under the new standards, up to 10 homes can be built on ancestral Māori land located within rural, residential and Māori purpose zones. Developments will still need to meet requirements designed to protect the environment and ensure residents have safe and healthy living conditions. The standards establish a national baseline while giving councils the flexibility to adopt even more supportive rules if they choose. This means local authorities can continue encouraging papakāinga developments beyond the minimum requirements set by the Government.

Supporters of the changes say the new approach removes many of the obstacles that have prevented housing projects from moving forward, particularly on collectively owned Māori land where development can already be complicated.

Supporting Whānau, Communities and Future Generations

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said the reforms recognise the deep connection Māori have with their whenua and help unlock opportunities for families to live closer together. Building homes on ancestral land can strengthen family ties, support intergenerational living and provide more affordable housing options for whānau who want to remain connected to their communities. Many Māori landowners have argued that existing planning rules often made these goals difficult to achieve, despite owning land suitable for housing.

The introduction of the NES-P forms part of a wider Government programme aimed at reshaping how national direction operates under the Resource Management Act. Officials say the broader reforms are intended to remove unnecessary barriers to development while supporting housing growth, infrastructure projects, renewable energy developments and other key economic priorities.

The Government believes the new standards will help more Māori families build safe, warm homes on their own land while creating stronger communities for future generations.