Legislation and regulation changes

Te Whakarerekētanga

The current Government is rolling out a broad suite of legislation and regulation changes across various areas of our regulatory work. While some of these have a potentially minor impact on our work, others are shaping up to be major “whole of system” reform and will involve transition periods before fully coming into effect.

Changes and timeframes

Legislation and regulation changes cover planning, building, civil defence, environmental health, climate adaptation and marine customary titles.

The details and timeframes of many of these changes remain fluid and are either indicative, uncertain, or unknown. It is important to remember that until new legislation, regulations or amendments are in force, the current regulations continue to apply - any Ministerial announcements around intended changes do not automatically mean the new laws are already in place.

Below is a list of the major regulatory changes and weblinks to the lead agency.

Disclaimer: we will endeavour to update our links, but as we rely on third parties to update their links, we cannot guarantee the links below provide the latest information.

Major Changes & Lead Agency Links

Proposed updates to national policy statements and national environmental standards covering infrastructure, electricity networks, telecommunications, granny flats (minor residential units), papakāinga, natural hazards, primary sector and freshwater.

Lead agency: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Timeframe: End 2025 to mid‑2026 (varies by instrument)

See more at MfE – National direction

Would enable small stand‑alone dwellings up to 70 m² to be built without building consent if specific conditions are met (simple design meeting Building Code, licensed professionals, council notification before and after works).

Lead agency: MBIE / Building Performance
Timeframe: In force early 2026 (indicative)

See more at MBIE – Changes to allow small standalone dwellings without building consent

Attachment 1.6: Proposed provisions – New National Environmental Standards for Granny Flats (Minor Residential Units) Regulations | Ministry for the Environment

New Planning Act and a separate Environment Act to replace core parts of the RMA. A new Enforcement Act to follow.

Lead agency: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Timeframe: Bills due end of December; in force mid‑2026 (indicative)

See more at MfE – Changes to resource management

Will enable urban development and infrastructure; aligned with Going for Housing Growth and the 30‑year National Infrastructure Plan.

Lead agency: MBIE
Timeframe: Unknown

See more at MBIE – Going for Growth

Comprehensive changes to the consenting system, including pathways for commercial buildings, assurance/self‑certification, national consistency, and potential roles for private BCAs.

Lead agency: MBIE / Building Performance
Timeframe: Unknown

See more about Building Performance – Building consent system reform

Implements a whole‑of‑society approach, minimum standards for local government, professionalisation, better system integration, and stronger focus on implementation and investment.

Lead agency: NEMA
Timeframe: 2026

See more at NEMA – Emergency Management Bill

Allows certain single‑storey detached buildings between 10–30 m² to be located one metre from boundaries (or for buildings <10 m² to be located at the boundary) without building consent.

Lead agency: MBIE
Timeframe: In force 23 October 2025

See more about solar panel and boundary setback building consent exemption changes

Proposed risk‑based adjustments: removing low‑risk buildings/zones from EPB system, tiered mitigation, deadline extensions, and removing concurrent upgrade requirements for fire/accessibility.

Lead agency: MBIE
Timeframe: 2026 (indicative)

See more at MBIE – Earthquake‑prone building system changes announced

Government considering new economic zones with their own building and planning rules.