Local government reform and what it could mean for farmers

Alongside changes to the Resource Management Act, the Government has also been consulting on reforms to local government. While the two processes are separate, both will influence how decisions are made about rating, land use, environmental management and infrastructure in rural areas.

Local government plays a key role in how farmers operate day to day. Regional and district councils are responsible for planning rules, compliance and monitoring, flood protection, pest management and the environmental policies that affect farming systems. Changes to how these councils are structured or governed could affect the effectiveness of those decisions.

The coalition government consulted on a proposal late last year. The proposal suggested replacing elected regional councillors with a Combined Territorial Board comprised of the mayors of district and city councils. DairyNZ does not believe that approach would be in the best interests of dairy farmers or rural communities.

DairyNZ made a submission on the consultation, working alongside other primary sector organisations to highlight the importance of strong rural representation and practical decision-making.

Mayors are typically elected through a population-based approach. They already carry significant responsibilities in their own districts and cities. Most do not have the time, experience or the local resource-management context needed to make complex decisions affecting rural land use.

Instead, DairyNZ recommended a more balanced approach. This would retain some elected regional councillors on the board alongside mayors and the regional council chair, helping ensure decisions include people with knowledge of regional resource management and a mandate to represent rural communities.

DairyNZ also noted that local government reform is being considered alongside major resource management reforms. Together, these changes could significantly influence how farmers are regulated in the future, so it is important that the two processes align and that regional decision-making remains well resourced and effective.

At the same time, DairyNZ supports the broader goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local government. There may be opportunities to strengthen coordination and capability across regions, particularly in areas such as emergency management, pest control, planning and climate adaptation.

As the reform process continues, DairyNZ will continue to advocate for local government structures that deliver efficient services while ensuring farmers’ perspectives are well represented in regional decisions.

Keep across DairyNZ’s policy and advocacy work at dairynz.co.nz/policy-and-advocacy

Advocating for the RMA reform the sector needs

DairyNZ supports reform of the country’s resource management system, and is working hard to make sure the new approach is fit for purpose.

New Zealand’s resource management system is undergoing a major overhaul that will reshape the regulations farmers are working under for decades to come.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) reform matters because it affects how all natural resources are managed, and how easy or costly it is for farmers to get consents for everyday activities and future development. In practice, it will influence what farmers can do on their land, the level of compliance required, and the costs and certainty they have to invest for the long term.

In December 2025, the government released two Bills to replace the RMA, aiming to reduce the costs and complexity farmers face. With more than 700 pages of detailed legislation, the details of how the legislation is drafted and implemented will determine what it means on-farm.

DairyNZ supports reform of the RMA, which has become costly and complex while too often failing to deliver meaningful environmental improvements. But the proposed replacement Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill do not yet fully deliver on their stated aim of enabling primary sector growth within limits.

Lessons from the past 15 years of freshwater policy haven’t been carried through, and some provisions around limits, caps and action plans need to be changed before they can work in practice. Some proposals, including the introduction of more market-based tools and resource use levies, need further testing before they are introduced. Without stronger safeguards, the new system could create new challenges rather than workable outcomes for farmers.

To shape the reforms, DairyNZ worked with milk processors and the wider sector to submit. We continue to monitor developments and advocate for practical, farm‑friendly outcomes as the Bills progress toward law in mid‑2026.

Find the latest information at dairynz.co.nz/rma-reform

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