Resource Management Act (RMA) stories
Ratepayers in Kaikōura and Hurunui may face increases to cover Canterbury's spatial plan, with costs running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Auckland homes face longer, hotter summers, with new research warning heatwaves could nearly double and indoor overheating is already a problem.
Long-delayed mining and resource applications are still pending on the West Coast, though the council has cut the queue to 43 from 199.
Funding for sports facilities and community grants could be cut as Marlborough council tries to stay within a 4% rates cap.
Farmers may dodge tighter water limits as Hawke's Bay councillors weigh shelving the Tank plan amid government reforms.
Council officers say the scrapped agreements will save little time, but leave 14 iwi entities facing uncertainty over future participation rights.
Council plans for Wainui Beach erosion risks have been paused under plan stop legislation, delaying work until the new system is in place.
Canterbury councils say fast-track housing could strain local infrastructure, after the minister rejected their call for a pause and review.
Residents fear fast-tracked solar farms could reshape the Mackenzie District without local say, prompting calls for pushback and compensation.
The district's residential and industrial land shortage could bite within 25 years, prompting public consultation on rezoning in its main centres.
About 10,000 public charge points by 2030 remain the target as the Government adds NZD $21 million to spur chargers in underserved areas.
Frustration with central government inertia and costly reforms underpins a 50-year local government career that spans planning, ratings and Auckland amalgamation.
Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.
Business faces a faster, narrower consenting regime as ministers unveil bills to replace the RMA by mid-2026.
Housing targets could erode New Zealand’s food-producing base, as experts warn losing LUC3 land would lock in permanent damage to supply and exports.
New Zealand faces higher costs for homes and infrastructure unless councils protect natural sand supplies as manufactured material covers only a fraction of demand.
Genetec has partnered with Sektor to distribute its physical security solutions across New Zealand, including opening a new technology centre in Auckland.
Cross-party backing is being sought to deliver a planning overhaul that could cut compliance costs by 45% while balancing development and environmental protection.
Delays and cost blowouts on major infrastructure projects could ease as ministers move to streamline land acquisition rules and compensation disputes.
Lower borrowing costs and expiring term deposits could lift demand for commercial and residential property as investors hunt better returns.
