In 10 | The end of the RMA era - what changes now?
Environment • 28 Oct 2026 • 19:27 min
What will the replacement of the Resource Management Act (RMA) mean for your farm, consents and future plans?
David Cooper from the DairyNZ policy team talks with barrister Patrick Senior, who has worked with DairyNZ during the reform process. They discuss the new Natural Environment Act and Planning Act, what farmers need to be aware of during the transition from the RMA, and what it means for existing regulatory requirements, including consents. With important regulations and plans still to come, they outline what has been confirmed and what remains uncertain as you consider decisions for your farm.
Links mentioned in this episode
Resource management reform
https://www.dairynz.co.nz/regulation/advocacy/resource-management-reform/
Waikato - Plan Change 1
https://www.dairynz.co.nz/regulation/advocacy/waikato-plan-change-1/
Resource management reforms | Ministry for the Environment
https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/rma/rmreform/
Waikato Regional Council guidance on Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora Plan Change 1
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/healthy-rivers-plan-for-change/
Horizons Regional Council guidance on Plan Change 2
https://www.horizons.govt.nz/your-council/plans-and-strategies/one-plan-supporting-documents/documents-that-shaped-the-one-plan/proposed-plan-change-2
