The Natural Environment Bill is one of two new laws the Government has introduced to replace the Resource Management Act 1991. It establishes a new framework of environmental limits and targets for air, freshwater, land, soil and indigenous biodiversity, and sets up national direction to guide councils’ environmental plans and consenting decisions. Together with the Planning Bill, it will replace the current RMA system. The Bill also passed its first reading in December 2025 and is now before the Environment Select Committee. Like the Planning Bill, it is expected to be enacted in 2026 and phased in so the new system is fully operational by around 2029.
Consultation details
| Closing/Due date | 13 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organisation/agency/group | New Zealand Parliament Environment Select Committee |
| Website | https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/394369fc-5ba2-4d8a-1026-08de369d9192?Tab=sub |
| Additional information |