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How will the regulatory relief regime in the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill interact with a council's statutory obligation to protect areas of significant environmental, cultural, or heritage value?

Answered Question 11409 (2026)
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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • How will the regulatory relief regime in the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill interact with a council's statutory obligation to protect areas of significant environmental, cultural, or heritage value?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

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

Answer

The intent of the regulatory relief regime is for councils to consider the impact of specified planning controls on landowners' reasonable use of land when they are developing plans. Regulatory relief does not prohibit councils from implementing obligations within the Bills to protect certain matters.