Wood Matters

Natural and Built Environmental Bill

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Natural and Built Environments Bill – update (one of three new acts to replace the RMA in 2022)

Over 3000 submissions were made on the first exposure draft of the NBE bill. PF Olsen, Forest Owners Association and other forest companies all made submissions. The Ministry for the Environment will be undertaking targeted engagement with local government, hapū/iwi/Māori and key sector stakeholders over the next few months. This will test the policy decisions that have been made around the key components of the system and the roles and responsibilities within it.

Feedback will inform the Ministerial decisions that shape the Natural and Built Environments Bill and Strategic Planning Bill before their introduction to Parliament next year.

A Local Government Steering Group has also been established to advise the Government on the resource management reforms. It consists of 12 local government elected members and senior council executives. Co-chairs are Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams and Ministry for the Environment Deputy Secretary Janine Smith.

The Natural and Built Environments Act, as well as the Climate Adaptation and Strategic Planning Acts, are planned to be introduced in 2022.