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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 Direction (RMA)

The Government is progressing updates to national policy statements and national environmental standards covering a range of matters, including:

  • Electricity networks

  • Telecommunications

  • Papakāinga

  • Natural hazards

  • Primary sector activities

  • Freshwater

Key details

Lead agency

  • Ministry for the Environment (MfE)

Timeframe

  • End 2025 to mid 2026 (timing varies by instrument)

Changes already in effect

The following national direction instruments are already in force:

More information

For an overview of current and proposed national direction under the Resource Management Act, visit:

Building Consent Exemption

A new building consent exemption applies to detached minor residential units up to 70m².

MBIE guidance:
Guidance and resources | Building Performance (MBIE)

Requirements

To qualify for the exemption:

  • The building must have a simple design

  • The building must meet the Building Code

  • The work must be carried out or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)

  • All exemption conditions must be met

Project Information Memorandum (PIM)

  • Homeowners must apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from their council before starting any building work

  • Council fees apply - Fees & Charges 

Once the build is complete, owners must provide council with required documentation, including:

  • Final plans

  • Records of Work

  • Certificates of compliance

Resource Consent Exemption

National Environmental Standards

Detached minor residential units may also be built without resource consent under the National Environmental Standards.

NES information:
National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units 2025 | Ministry for the Environment

Size

  • The detached minor residential unit must be 70 square metres or less

Site coverage

  • The total combined building coverage for the site must be:

    • No more than 50% in a residential zone

    • Compliant with the district plan in:

      • Rural zones

      • Māori purpose zones

      • Mixed use zones

Setbacks

Residential zones

  • At least 2 metres from the principal residential unit

  • At least 2 metres from front, side, and rear boundaries

Rural zones

  • At least 10 metres from the front boundary

  • At least 5 metres from side and rear boundaries

Māori purpose zones

  • Must comply with district plan setback requirements

Mixed use zones

  • Must comply with district plan setback requirements

Need more information?

For building exemptions and technical guidance, visit:
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Building Performance

For local requirements, fees, and PIM applications, contact your local council.

Planning: RMA Replacement Bills

The Government is progressing legislation to replace core parts of the Resource Management Act (RMA). This includes:

  • A new Planning Act

  • A separate Environment Act

  • A standalone Enforcement Act to follow

Together, these bills are intended to reshape how planning, environmental protection, and compliance are managed in New Zealand.

Key details

Lead agency

  • Ministry for the Environment (MfE)

Timeframe

  • Bills released: December 2025

  • Submissions due: end of December 2025

  • Indicative commencement: mid 2026

More information

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)

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/building-earthquake-prone-buildings-amendment-bill-first-reading 

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

  • Lead agency: Beehive / Central Government
  • Timeframe: Unknown

See more at the Beehive website – Government to consider Special Economic Zones 

Would extend the sale of alcohol on ANZAC morning, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas Day.

  • Lead agency: Ministry of Justice
  • Timeframe: TBC

See more at the Beehive – Government reforms to improve alcohol regulation

Replaces development contributions with development levies; potential changes to targeted rates to support housing growth.

  • Lead agency: Ministry of Housing and Urban Development / Department of Internal Affairs
  • Timeframe: TBC

Read more via the below links - 

Going for Housing Growth: new and improved IFF 

Development levies consultation - dia.govt.nz

Will set legal framework for roles and powers for climate adaptation; potential for a national adaptation fund.

  • Lead agency: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
  • Timeframe: Unknown

See more at MfE – Adaptation framework

Indicates tightening criteria for customary title claims (policy direction subject to change).

  • Lead agency: Te Arawhiti / Crown–Māori Relations
  • Timeframe: In force 22 Oct 2025

See more at Radio New Zealand

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