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Why does neither his Planning Bill nor his Natural Environment Bill include reference to the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008?

Answered Question 9052 (2026)
Question published
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Why does neither his Planning Bill nor his Natural Environment Bill include reference to the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

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

Answer

The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 is referenced twice in the Resource Management Act 1991 in relation to "qualifying matters in application of intensification policies". As these intensification policies are not being carried over into the new system, no reference was required in the Planning and Natural Environment Bills. However, they may be reflected in the National Instruments and will be considered when the National Instruments are developed if this is the case.