RMA Reform and the New NBA
The Government is undertaking reform that will replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). Three new pieces of legislation were proposed:
- Natural and Built Environment Act (NBEA) is the main replacement for the RMA.
- Spatial Planning Act (SPA) will require the development of long-term regional spatial strategies.
- Climate Adaptation Act (CAA) will address complex issues associated with managed retreat.
The following documents include the relevant submissions, legislation drafts, and reports that makeup a timeline of HortNZ's work advocating on this topic since February 2020.
Relevant documents

Spatial Planning Act
August 2023
The Spatial Planning Act (SPA) was signed into law.

Natural and Built Environment Act
August 2023
The Natural and Built Environment Act (NBEA) was signed into law.

Summary of HortNZ's submission on the NBA and SPA
February 2023
HortNZ submitted on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill.
PDF, 142 KB.

HortNZ's submission on the NBA and SPA
February 2023
HortNZ submitted on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill.
PDF, 633 KB.

HortNZ submission on the NBA exposure draft
August 2021
HortNZ submitted on the exposure draft of the Natural and Built Environment Bill.
PDF, 834 KB.

Exposure Draft of the NBA
June 2021
The Select Committee released the exposure draft of the Natural and Built Environment Bill with some of the key purpose and principles of the new legislation.

Review panel report
July 2020
The independent Resource Management Review Panel undertook a comprehensive review of the RMA and related legislation.

HortNZ submission on RMA issues and options paper
February 2020
HortNZ submitted on the Resource Management Review Panel's review of the RMA and related legislation.
PDF, 676 KB.

RMA Reform Summary
The Ministry for the Environment website summarises the RMA reform.