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It is his intention that the regulatory relief framework of the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill “weakens council’s ability to, for example, improve degraded natural environments” as Auckland Council wrote in their submission, and if not, what changes, if any, would he consider?

Answered Question 11405 (2026)
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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • It is his intention that the regulatory relief framework of the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill “weakens council’s ability to, for example, improve degraded natural environments” as Auckland Council wrote in their submission, and if not, what changes, if any, would he consider?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister responsible for RMA Reform

Answer

No. The intent of the regulatory relief regime is for councils to consider the impact of specified planning controls on landowners' use of land when they develop plans. The Bills are before the Environment Committee, and the Government will consider the Committee’s recommendations.