NZ Engine

Source: Auckland Council

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Auckland councillors have approved the approach for the future use of around 1,200 properties bought out following the 2023 storms.  

The policy guiding future land use decisions was approved by the council’s Policy and Planning Committee. The 1,200 properties with high-risk homes are expected to be purchased by the end of 2025 – making this one of the largest land acquisition programmes undertaken in Auckland.  

Mayor Wayne Brown says the policy is an important step. 

“We have to think about the future and this policy allows the council to consider the different ways the land can be used, including, importantly, what we can do to recoup ratepayer money allocated to purchase the high-risk properties,” says Mayor Brown.  

“I’m committed to getting value for money for what is a significant investment for council, so it makes sense we carefully consider how we utilise land safely, sensibly, and economically to reduce the cost of the storm damage and return some of that investment, to Auckland ratepayers.” 

Committee chair, councillor Richard Hills says it’s important to remember that severely storm-affected land (Category 3) has inherent risks that must be considered for any future use.  

“To move people out of harm’s way – that’s why these properties were assessed and purchased in the buy-out scheme. While we want to use the land effectively to provide homes and maintain strong communities, safety will always be our top priority,” says Cr Hills. 

Under the policy, the council will retain a large number of properties for flood resilience projects, other council services or where hazards such as unstable land must be safely managed. The council will also consider opportunities to sell some properties that can be used safely for other purposes.   

Cr Hills stressed that with hundreds of pieces of land to assess, it will take several years before final decisions are made, a factor which he knows will be frustrating for affected communities. 

“We understand communities have a keen interest in the future of storm-affected land, but we have to carefully make the best decisions for the land and the community.” 

Director Policy, Planning and Governance Megan Tyler says the policy is all about finding safe and sensible options for the land, within the constraints of any hazard risks.  

“This policy will guide how we assess the potential for each property, so that safety, future resilience and value for Aucklanders are top of mind.” 

Aucklanders told the council through consultation in September 2023 they wanted to see the impact on rates from the buy-out programme minimised, which along with other recovery costs tallies to more than $1 billion. 

If you have suggestions for specific Category 3 sites, you can provide these in the expressions of interest register. 

The removal of storm-affected homes will continue until late 2027, and the council will maintain the vacant land until the future land use is determined. You can read the frequently asked questions on OurAuckland. 

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

The New Zealand Government has unveiled the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund, a new investment initiative designed to accelerate the growth of the Māori economy through science, innovation, and technology.

Formed through the merger of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko – Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund and the He Aka Ka Toro Navigation Fund, He Ara Whakahihiko represents a streamlined, future-focused approach to public investment. The fund aims to strengthen the capability of the science system and the Māori economy to collaborate as a powerful engine of economic growth.

The fund will back science projects that foster effective partnerships between Māori-facing organisations and established research organisations, with a strong emphasis on commercialisation and measurable economic outcomes.

He Ara Whakahihiko is structured around 2 focused funding streams:

• Ara Whaihua – Impact Pathways for Research: Supporting 12-month, implementation-ready research programmes with a clear path to commercialisation.
• Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships: Investing in 2-year science initiatives that build enduring connections between Māori-facing organisations and the science and innovation ecosystem.

Aligned with the Government’s broader vision for science investment, He Ara Whakahihiko is a bold step toward a more innovative and economically vibrant New Zealand.

In parallel, an additional $1.982 million annually will be administered by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to grow Māori health research capability.

More information about the fund is on the MBIE website:

He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

Read the Minister’s announcement:

New science fund to boost Māori economy(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry – one of New Zealand’s most productive and sustainable export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today. 
Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector’s right to operate.
“Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy, particularly in regional communities,” Mr McClay says. 
“These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver’s seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.”
The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector.
Key proposed changes include:

Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction.
Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification.
Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers.
Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike.

“We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren’t working,” Mr McClay says. 
“Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That’s not what the system was designed for, so we’re fixing it.”
The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash.
“This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,” Mr McClay says. 
“Whether you’re planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn’t be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.”
Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment’s website and will run until 27 July 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today attended the official opening of a new mental health service, Waiorua. 

“It is fantastic to be in the Hawke’s Bay today to open this new service that will offer an alternative safe space to go for adults while they are in their time of need seeking support for mental health and addiction challenges,” Mr Doocey says. 

The service will operate in a repurposed building close to the hospital campus and will be connected to the wider acute care model across the region. 

“I am pleased to see this service was co-designed across agencies to better serve the people in the Hawke’s Bay who are needing to access support by moving to a cross agency, more joined up approach.” 

The service is a collaborative approach between agencies including Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Health New Zealand, the New Zealand Police, and the Ministry of Social Development. 

“As a result of this new Crisis Respite Service, there will be six new unplanned crisis respite beds opened as an alternative to an admission to an Emergency Department or a mental health inpatient unit,” Mr Doocey says. 

“Respite beds offer a welcoming place where people experiencing mental health difficulties can rest and recover in a home-like environment with clinical oversight and short-term residential support. 

“This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when agencies work together with a shared purpose of improving the lives of New Zealanders. 

“More people in the region will now have access to timely mental health and addiction support. At the end of the day, no matter where you are located, we want you to have access to the care you need and deserve.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 minutes ago

T&G Global employees Grace Rehu and Sam Carter are combining hands-on work with classroom learning as they grow their careers through study at EIT.

Both are graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) at the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale and credit the practical, industry-connected programme with helping them build confidence, expand their knowledge and step into leadership roles.

Twenty-three-year-old Grace Rehu (Rangitāne and Taranaki Iwi) works as a block lead at T&G and has been in the industry for more than six years. She began working in horticulture on a strawberry farm as a teenager before joining T&G and eventually transitioning into horticulture full-time. While working at T&G, she also took part in vehicle and machinery training through EIT.

“I enjoy being outdoors and working with the land,” she says. “Studying helped me understand the reasons behind the decisions we make in the field, not just what to do but why.”

Grace was named the 2023 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower of the Year, recognised for her passion for horticulture and her commitment to the kaupapa.

Sam Carter, 29, is Assistant Manager at T&G’s Pakowhai sector. He began working in the industry in 2014 while studying a conjoint degree in law and geography at university. After moving into a full-time orchard role and joining T&G in 2023, he completed his Level 3 qualification through EIT last year and is now studying towards the Level 4 Certificate in Horticulture. This year, he has also been selected to compete in the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition.

“Studying while working gives you both the theoretical and the practical sides,” he says. “You get to apply what you learn straight away, whether that is pruning, irrigation, pest and disease identification or supervision work. It really builds your confidence.”

Both say the support from T&G has been instrumental to their success.

Sam says EIT’s teaching team also plays a big part. “The tutors come out and check in. They talk with management and with us, so everyone is on the same page. The feedback is always really helpful.”

Clare Buckner, program co-ordinator of the fruit production qualifications, is proud of how EIT can work with employers to support their training needs.

“We have a solid relationship with industry built on a common interest to support our workforce – to not only learn skills in horticulture, but to grow in confidence and self-belief. It is a privilege to be involved with helping workers unlock their potential”.

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka have today announced He Ara Whakahihiko – a new, consolidated fund designed to unlock the economic potential of Māori-led research and innovation. 

This forward-focused initiative brings together and streamlines previous funding mechanisms to deliver more targeted, impactful investment in science and technology that supports Māori success and drives national prosperity.

“This Government is committed to backing Māori participation in science and innovation, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens New Zealand’s overall economic performance,” says Dr Reti.

 “He Ara Whakahihiko will help break down the barriers that Māori researchers and entrepreneurs face and ensure stronger representation in our science and technology workforce.”

Dr Reti says the new fund supports the Government’s broader agenda to reform and refocus the science, innovation and technology system.

“We are delivering the most significant transformation of our science and innovation system in decades. By clarifying our priorities, streamlining processes, and focusing on commercial outcomes, we’re laying the foundations for a more prosperous, tech-driven New Zealand,” says Dr Reti.

The Ministers say He Ara Whakahihiko merges two previously separate funding streams to enhance efficiency and maximise returns on public investment.

“If the Māori economy is to continue its positive trajectory, we need to actively support innovation and science today to create tomorrow’s commercial products and technologies,” says Mr Potaka. 

“This smarter, sharper fund supports our Government’s economic growth agenda, particularly the Going for Growth with Māori I Tōnui Māori approach, by helping Māori innovators take good ideas to market and build high-value enterprises.”

He Ara Whakahihiko includes two targeted investment pathways:

• Ara Whaihua – Impact Pathways for Research: Focuses on near-term implementation and commercialisation of science-led initiatives. It backs 12-month work programmes led by Māori-facing organisations, delivering real economic impact.
• Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships: Supports two-year collaborative projects that strengthen science capability and build durable partnerships between Māori-facing entities and New Zealand’s wider innovation ecosystem.

Approximately $2 million is devolved to the Health Research Council to help develop people and support organisations in health research, with a focus on turning research into products or services that benefit the economy.

“We’re focused on outcomes. That means getting innovation off the whiteboard and into the world—creating jobs, lifting productivity, and enhancing wellbeing for Māori and all New Zealanders,” says Mr Potaka.

He Ara Whakahihiko reflects the Government’s commitment to smarter public investment, a high-performing science sector, and a more productive, inclusive economy.

The fund will open for proposals on 20 August 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has today opened public consultation on options to reform New Zealand’s freshwater national direction Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. 
National direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules. 
The Government is today releasing three discussion documents proposing amendments to 12 different instruments and the introduction of four new instruments, centred on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater.
“This is a key step toward restoring balance in how freshwater is managed across the country and ensuring the interests of all water users, including farmers, growers, and rural communities, are properly reflected,” Mr McClay says. 
This move follows the Government’s decisive intervention in 2024 to stop the Otago Regional Council from pushing ahead with a freshwater plan that would have imposed unnecessary costs and uncertainty on rural landowners. 
“Regional councils must work within national direction that is fit for purpose, not pursue agendas that undermine local economies or the people who rely on the land,” Mr McClay says. 
“We’re committed to a freshwater system that protects the environment while also supporting the people who feed and grow New Zealand,” Mr Hoggard says. 
“The current rules are too complex, too expensive, and too often ignore the practical realities of landowners. We’re fixing that.”
The consultation proposes replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and related regulations with a more practical, efficient, and regionally adaptable system. 
“The current system’s Te Mana o te Wai has caused frustration across rural New Zealand, with some councils applying it in a way that sidelines the very people working to improve water outcomes,” Mr Hoggard says. 
“Farmers aren’t asking for a free pass – they’re asking for a fair go,” Mr McClay says. 
“We won’t stand by while councils weaponise Te Mana o te Wai, to push ideology over common sense. It must reflect the importance of freshwater to all New Zealanders.”
The proposed changes would:

Replace the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater;
Give councils greater flexibility to balance environmental goals with economic impacts and allow longer timeframes to reach targets where needed;
Remove unnecessary consents for practices like crop rotation and enable commercial domestic vegetable growing;
Support long-term water security by enabling water storage;
Improve the protection of drinking water sources; and
Review and simplify data requirements under synthetic nitrogen fertiliser regulations.

These are practical, farmer-focused reforms will restore confidence and reduce red tape, while still delivering environmental gains. 
“We’ve heard from farmers across the country that nationally determined bottom lines are not always appropriate and can be unachievable even in some catchments dominated by native bush. They also take away flexibility from local communities to achieve the environmental outcomes they want,” Mr Hoggard says.
“We’re putting outcomes ahead of process and backing rural New Zealand to be part of the solution,” Mr McClay says. 
Public consultation is now open on the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘Have Your Say’ website and will run until 27 July 2025. Submissions from all New Zealanders are encouraged.
This is the first of a two-stage process. Feedback will inform final decisions on what to amend in national direction, with a draft set of proposals to follow later in the year.
Note to Editors:
Fact sheet attached:

Freshwater consultation packageNational direction includes national policy statements, environmental standards, and other RMA instruments that guide how regional and local councils manage resources. Updated direction is critical to ensure consistent, practical, and efficient freshwater management across New Zealand.

Visit the MfE website [https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction] to take part in the consultation

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has opened public consultation on the biggest change to national direction in New Zealand history, with proposals to make it easier to consent quarries and mines to enable more infrastructure development.
National direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules.

The Government is today releasing three discussion documents proposing amendments to 12 different instruments and the introduction of four new instruments, centred on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater.

“New Zealand has a massive infrastructure deficit, but to build and maintain more infrastructure we need quarries and mines. The RMA makes it far too difficult for these types of projects to get consent,” Mr Bishop says.
“Addressing this is critical to boosting economic growth, improving living standards and meeting future challenges posed by natural hazards and climate change. 
“We’ve already repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and made a series of quick and targeted amendments to remove unnecessary regulations for primary industries as well as barriers to investment in development and infrastructure. 
We’ve also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver projects with regional or nationally significant benefits – and the first projects are already going through the Fast-track process. 
“Next year we’ll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. Our new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure, quarrying and mining projects, as well as protecting the environment. 
“In the meantime we’re making targeted, quick changes through our second RMA amendment Bill which is expected back from the Environment Committee next month, and to national direction.”
The proposed changes include amendments to quarrying and mining provisions in four existing national direction instruments: 

National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023
National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020
National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020. 

“The Coalition Government is committed to utilising New Zealand’s mineral reserves to boost regional opportunities and jobs, increase our self-sufficiency, improve energy security and resilience, and drive our export-led focus for economic recovery. The length of time it takes to navigate various consenting processes for a major mining project in New Zealand is costing us dearly in missed economic opportunities that could lift living standards for our regional communities and supercharge productivity,” Mr Jones says.
“A mining operator currently needs to navigate the often contradictory and confusing requirements of many national direction instruments. By amending these instruments to remove duplication and provide more clarity, we are reducing costs and inefficiencies and providing the certainty potential investors and operators need to take well-designed projects forward – something our regulatory regime has long lacked. I want to be clear – we are cutting red tape and barriers, not corners. There are no shortcuts in terms of robust planning and rigorous consideration of environmental protections.”
Consultation on these proposals will remain open until 27 July 2025. The Government intends to have 16 new or updated national direction instruments in place by the end of this year.   
Note’s to editor:
Quarrying and mining amendments to National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards 
The Government has committed to unlocking development capacity for housing and business growth, and to boost mineral exports. To support this, locally sourced aggregate and minerals are needed.
This targeted amendment for quarrying and mining, aims to make the consent pathways and gateway tests for quarrying and mining affecting wetlands, significant natural areas (SNAs) and highly productive land (HPL) more enabling, and to ensure the policies are more consistent across the: 

National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB) 2023
National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) 2022
National Environmental Standard for Freshwater (NES-F) 2020
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) 2020.  

Key proposals to change these instruments are:
To amend wetland quarrying and mining provisions across NPS-FM, NES-F, NPSIB and NPS-HPL to make them more enabling and more consistent, which involves:

adding ‘operational need’ to the gateway tests for mining and quarrying activities that may adversely affect wetlands under the NES-F and NPS-FM
changing a few words in the NPSIB and NPS-HPL SNA and HPL mining and quarrying exceptions for SNAs and HPL to:
clarify that essential related (ancillary) activities for mining and quarrying have a consent pathway and use consistent terminology
remove “that could not otherwise be achieved using resources within New Zealand” and the requirement for benefits to be ‘public’ and allow regional benefits of mining to be considered.

Visit the MfE website [https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction] to take part in the consultation. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking action to address the country’s housing crisis through the biggest package of proposed changes to national direction in New Zealand’s history, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.
National direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules.
The Government is today releasing three discussion documents proposing amendments to 12 different instruments and the introduction of four new instruments, centred on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater.
“The RMA is broken, and it’s a big part of the reason for many of New Zealand’s biggest problems with infrastructure, housing and energy,” Mr Bishop says.
“Addressing this is critical to boosting economic growth, improving living standards and meeting future challenges posed by natural hazards and climate change. 
“We’ve already repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and are making a series of quick and targeted amendments to unlock land for housing, build infrastructure, and allow communities to share the benefits of growth. We’ve also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver projects with regional or nationally significant benefits – and the first projects including Delmore (1,250 residential dwellings in Auckland) are already going through the Fast-track process. 
“Next year we’ll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. Our new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure and energy projects, as well as protecting the environment. 
“In the meantime we’re making targeted, quick changes through our second RMA amendment Bill which is expected back from the Environment Committee next month, and changes to national direction.
“Addressing housing affordability and supply is a key focus for the Government. We want to make it easier for families to build a granny flat of up to 70 square metres on an existing property through proposed new National Environmental Standards for Granny Flats. This NES will require all councils to permit a granny flat on sites in rural, residential, mixed use, and Māori purpose zones without the need to gain a resource consent subject to certain conditions. It will sit alongside our parallel work to amend the Building Act to remove the need for a building consent for those same granny flats.”
“Existing resource management rules are a barrier for Māori to build papakāinga housing on ancestral land. Our proposed new National Environmental Standard for Papakāinga would allow papakāinga on some rural land, residential zones, and Māori purpose zones, subject to certain conditions. It would enable Māori to develop papakāinga housing more efficiently and quickly,” Mr Potaka says.
“We are committed to providing better housing options for whānau, and one of the ways we will achieve this is by making it easier for Māori landowners to unlock opportunities for their whenua. 
“Currently, inconsistent rules for building papakāinga in council district and unitary plans across the country are preventing Māori landowners from using their land to house their whānau, exercise autonomy over their whenua, and build wealth.
“We’re proposing to introduce a consistent national framework – called National Environmental Standards – that will reduce consenting inconsistencies, remove planning barriers, and make consenting less costly and complex.
“If accepted, consenting standards would become uniform across the country, regardless of which district plan the land falls under, and small-scale – up to 10 homes – papakāinga would no longer require resource consent.
“These changes, developed in consultation with papakāinga and Māori planning experts, will reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for Māori landowners to develop papakāinga so more whānau are able to live in warm, dry, healthy, affordable housing.
“Papakāinga provide multiple benefits to whānau, hapū and Iwi. As well as economic, social, and wellbeing benefits, papakāinga provide holistic and cultural benefits because our connection to the whenua is such a key part of being Māori.
“This proposal would also complement our granny flats policy. Together the two proposals provide options for Māori to build on their existing assets. While the papakāinga development provides more scope for multiple homes on communally owned Māori land, the granny flats policy provides an option for homeowners to build one additional dwelling on their residential property without consent building or resource consent.”
Consultation on these proposals will remain open until 27 July 2025. The Government intends to have 16 new or updated national direction instruments in place by the end of this year.   
Note’s to editor:
Infrastructure and development is one of three national direction packages released today as part of the Government’s wider reform of the resource management system. The other two packages cover changes for the primary sector and freshwater management. 
Visit the MfE website [https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction] to take part in the consultation. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking action to address the country’s infrastructure deficit and energy shortage through a series of important changes to national direction under the RMA, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simon Watts.
National direction refers to rules and policies sitting under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that inform how councils develop and implement local plans and rules. 
The Government is today releasing three discussion documents proposing amendments to twelve different instruments and the introduction of four new instruments, centred on three packages: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater.
“The RMA is a direct contributor to New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit. It drives up costs, slows projects down, and has become a complicated nightmare for councils and applicants alike”, says Mr Bishop. 
“Sorting out our planning rules is critical to boosting economic growth and improving living standards.
“In our first year in office, we repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and made a series of quick and targeted amendments to remove unnecessary regulations for primary industries as well as barriers to investment in development and infrastructure.
“We also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver infrastructure and other development projects with significant regional or national benefits. The first projects are already going through the fast-track process. 
“Next year we’ll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. Our new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure and energy projects, as well as protecting the environment. 
“In the meantime, we’re making targeted, quick changes through our second RMA Amendment Bill which is expected back from the Environment Committee next month, and these changes to national direction. 

“We’re proposing a new National Policy Statement for Infrastructure to send a clear message that infrastructure is critical to our prosperity, and to prioritise existing and new infrastructure in resource consent processes.
“We’re also proposing a strengthened National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation. The current NPS was drafted in 2011 and is far too vague and woolly. Decision-makers need clear guidance that renewable energy is vital to our prosperity. We need billions of dollars of investment in the coming years in renewable energy supply but it’s too hard to consent renewable energy projects”.
“This Government is committed to unleashing transmission and distribution infrastructure on our mission to electrify the New Zealand economy,” Mr Watts says. 
“We know the energy system is facing complex challenges right now. The security and reliability of our electricity supply depend on bringing new generation online and strengthening our network infrastructure.

“Right now, New Zealand’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable to severe weather events and seasonal shortages. By changing the electricity generation and transmission national direction, we can improve both energy security and affordability, while helping us achieve our goal of doubling renewable energy by 2050.  The changes will also support the country’s existing renewable energy assets, including lines networks.”
“The current environmental standards around telecommunication facilities were drafted in 2016 and are now very out of date. Changes to the standards will update rules around poles and other infrastructure and create a more efficient consenting environment”, Mr Bishop says. 
“Cabinet has also agreed to progress new national direction for Natural Hazards. The aim for the new National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards is to make straightforward changes that will have an immediate effect on consenting as well as align with the new resource management system.” 
“We want councils to make better choices about where and how people can build so that new development is more resilient to severe weather events. Further direction to councils around how to identify, assess and respond to risks from natural hazards can be provided as part of the next stage of resource management reform”.
Consultation on these proposals will remain open until 27 July 2025. The Government intends to have 16 new or updated national direction instruments in place by the end of this year.  
Media contact:
Note to editor:
Fact sheet attached.
Infrastructure and development is one of three national direction packages released today as part of the Government’s wider reform of the resource management system. The other two packages cover changes for the primary sector and freshwater management. 
Visit the MfE website [https://environment.govt.nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rma-national-direction] to take part in the consultation.