Next wave of RMA (Resource Management Act) changes in force

The second tranche of amendments introduced by the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017 (RLAA) came into force on 18 October 2017. These amendments aim to further streamline the resource consent process, with a move away from public participation in the process in favour of a more straightforward consenting pathway (particularly in relation to many residential-based activities).

Applications for resource consent that are lodged with a consent authority prior to 18 October 2017 continue to be processed as if the amendments had not come into force. Resource consent applications lodged with a consent authority from 18 October 2017 must be processed in accordance with the amendments.