RMA replacement bills – Select Committee report to be released on 20 July 2026
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill – the replacements to the Resource Management Act 1991 – are still progressing through Parliament. The deadline for the Environment Committee to report back on the Bills has now been extended to 20 July 2026. We will provide another update after the Select Committee report is released.
Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120
Closer to home, there have been a few developments on PC120 since our last update:
- In early June 2026, Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development team met and recommended the following two scenarios for consultation with iwi and local boards:
- Scenario A (essential only) – focuses on meeting the Government’s mandatory requirements and enables estimated 1.4-1.6 million dwelling capacity.
- Scenario B (further elective intensification) – estimates 1.515 to 1.715 dwelling capacity. This scenario enables additional housing opportunities.
- After consultation, in late July, the decision to amend and/or partially withdraw PC120 will be brought to the committee.
- Public notification of any amendments to PC120 will follow the committee’s decision, which will likely occur in August 2026, followed by a 20 working-day second submission period.
- The latest update released by the Panel on 8 July 2026 outlines a proposal to hold a Procedural Hearing in early October 2026. This is a meeting before the hearings of submissions take place and helps the Panel to understand the legal framework for PC120, identify any procedural issues early and plan the programme for hearing submissions. Attendance is optional and no submissions will be heard nor any recommendations on submissions will be made.
As usual, please reach out to us if you have any queries about the Planning and Natural Environment Bills or PC120, and we would be happy to assist you.