Resource management and local government reform: More than two new Bills – other legislative change to watch in 2026

This year is set to be one to remember in terms of resource management reform, with the Planning and Natural Environment Bills (proposed to replace the Resource Management Act 1991) expected to be passed into law in the middle of the year. We previously outlined the key aspects of the proposed RMA replacement here.

While these two new Bills have had their fair share of attention and scrutiny, other proposed legislative changes in the resource management and local government space also warrant consideration.

We take a brief look at four other Bills currently before Parliament that propose changes in this space.

Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill

This Bill proposes changes to core sections of the Local Government Act 2002, including replacing section 10 (which sets out the purpose of local government) and inserting a new section 11A (setting out core services of local authorities).  Other objectives of the Bill include better measuring and publicising of council performance, strengthening council transparency and accountability, and providing regulatory relief to councils.

The proposed changes to the purpose of local government and the introduction of a defined list of core services are particularly significant.  These provisions could reshape the way councils prioritise their activities and allocate resources, and councils will want to consider what this means for their long-term plans and service delivery (if these changes become law).

Emergency Management Bill

This Bill would replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.  While the Bill retains New Zealand’s existing philosophy for emergency management, it also proposes changes to the current system.

Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazard events in New Zealand, any reform to the emergency management framework will be of keen interest to both councils and communities.

Public Works Amendment Bill

This Bill would amend the Public Works Act 1981 to streamline land acquisition powers and processes, provide targeted improvements to objections proceedings, support effective, equitable, and fair compensation settings and enable timely recovery from emergencies.

The Public Works Act is a cornerstone of infrastructure delivery in New Zealand, and the proposed amendments to land acquisition and compensation processes will be relevant to councils, requiring authorities, and affected landowners alike. In particular, the proposed changes to objections proceedings and compensation settings warrant close attention from anyone involved in public works projects.

Offshore Renewable Energy Bill

This Bill would establish a legislative regime to govern the construction, operation, and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy developments.

This is a significant piece of proposed legislation, as New Zealand currently has no dedicated framework for offshore renewable energy.  The final form of this Bill will be of interest to energy developers, coastal communities, and those interested in increased options for renewable energy sources.

What’s Next?

Submissions on these Bills have now closed.  As these Bills are still at various stages before Parliament, the exact form of these Bills (and whether they actually pass into law) remains to be seen.  We will be keeping a keen eye on the progress of these Bills and will provide further updates as they develop.

If you have any questions about this potential reform and how it might impact you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist local government and environment team.

Kate Woods, Special Counsel – Wynn Williams Local Government team

Tracey Ellis, Solicitor – Wynn Williams Local Government team