Govt planning overhaul aims to accelerate renewable energy projects

Energy minister Simon Watts says the Government’s overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system will make it faster and cheaper to develop renewable energy projects, backed by new transition measures to give councils and consent holders certainty as the Resource Management Act is replaced.

Watts says New Zealand’s outdated consenting framework has slowed the development of wind, solar, hydro and geothermal projects, adding delays and cost at a time when electricity demand is set to surge.

“Energy powers every part of our economy, from households to high-value industries. It determines our ability to grow, compete, and remain prosperous. Yet despite our abundant renewable resources, it has become too difficult to consent the wind farms, solar farms, hydro schemes and geothermal projects New Zealand needs,” he says.

The Government is replacing the RMA with two new laws — the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill — aimed at reducing red tape, speeding up approvals and giving investors clearer national direction. A 2022 Infrastructure Commission report found developers collectively spend $1.29 billion each year getting projects consented, with costs up 70 per cent since 2014.

“That is why our Government is replacing the RMA… These reforms will cut red tape, reduce delays, and give investors the certainty they need to get projects underway,” Watts says.

Transition arrangements to avoid disruption

RMA reform minister Chris Bishop and under-secretary Simon Court say temporary measures will ensure consent holders are not forced into unnecessary processes as the country shifts to the new regime.

Bishop says the transition arrangements include extending existing consents through new legislation that will be passed under urgency.

“For more than 30 years the RMA has held New Zealand back. It has frustrated farmers and agribusinesses, slowed down housing, delayed infrastructure and added huge cost and complexity for councils, businesses and communities,” he says.

Existing consent expiry dates will be extended to two years after the end of the transition period for the new system. Based on current expectations, this means most consents will be extended to around 2031.

With thousands of consents due to expire next year, Bishop says it would be unfair to force applicants through costly replacement processes when a new national system is imminent.

“That is why we are also introducing urgent legislation to extend affected consents to 31 December 2027, avoiding unnecessary stress, uncertainty and expense.”

Unlocking renewable energy investment

Watts says the reforms are already driving a shift in electricity development, with more renewable generation commissioned in the past 18 months than in the previous 15 years.

“New Zealand is now on the cusp of a renewable electricity boom… In the future, 95 per cent of our electricity will come from cheap, clean renewables,” he says.

Work is underway to update national policy statements for renewable generation and electricity networks. He says new national instruments will give decision-makers “absolute clarity about the vital importance of renewable energy to New Zealand’s future”.

The Government’s Electrify New Zealand programme is expected to further accelerate investment.

“It will mean more wind, more solar, more batteries, more storage and more clean generation powering our homes and businesses every year,” Watts says.

Next steps

The bills have now been introduced to Parliament and are expected to pass in 2026. National policy direction is due within nine months of enactment, with new mandatory standards rolled out in stages.

Members of the public will be able to provide feedback through the Select Committee process.

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