The new Resource Management Framework could provide the balance Councils like Tasman District Council have been seeking to cope with the challenges it faces as a high growth council.

"These reforms are an important step toward a more consistent, capable and solutions‑focused resource management system for our region and for New Zealand as a whole”, said Tasman Mayor Tim King.

“As a unitary authority, we welcome a framework that makes it clearer what is expected of councils, communities and developers, and that gives people greater confidence that decisions are being made in a joined‑up way across the country. This will enable people to make those important life decisions like housing and investment with greater certainty.

“Moving to a single set of national policy directions, backed by national standards and standardised zones and activities, will reduce the current complexity and inconsistency that exists between different plans and districts which is a very important factor for both developers and homeowners.

“Fewer, combined e‑plans, supported by long‑term spatial planning, will help us focus on the big strategic choices about where growth goes, how we protect what matters, and how we manage natural hazards and environmental limits.

“The shift to a fully digital planning and consenting system, alongside central government investment in local government capability and new institutions such as the Planning Tribunal, gives us confidence that councils will be supported through the transition, not left to shoulder it alone.

“Just as important is the culture change that the new legislation seeks to drive, with clear principles around timeliness, proportionality, plain language and being solutions‑focused. We certainly look forward to taking on a greater enabling role in the future of our District.

“Concentrating regulation on genuinely significant effects, and simplifying consent and notification processes, the system should make it easier to deliver much‑needed housing and infrastructure while still protecting the environment and upholding Treaty settlements and iwi interests.

“For our community, that means more certainty, more transparency and, over time, better environmental and development outcomes.”