Key takeaways from the 2025 RMLA Conference

The Resource Management Law Association (RMLA) conference, held on 11-12 September 2025 in Blenheim, brought together resource management professionals to explore this year’s theme: Sound Futures. A theme that underscores a collective commitment to guiding clients towards responsible, well-informed decisions that deliver sustainable and lasting outcomes.

Early engagement will define the success of RMA reforms

A key message throughout the conference was the front-loaded nature of the upcoming Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms. The period beginning November 2025 is expected to be critical, as it offers a limited window for meaningful input that will shape the new system.

The key takeaway is that practitioners must be ready and proactive. Getting involved early in the reform process is essential, as one of its aims is to reduce the ability to shape outcomes by simply reacting to individual resource consent applications. This marks a major change in how people will be able to participate in and influence the resource management system.

For organisations such as SLR, this environment presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen engagement and influence within the evolving RMA space.

Climate change and community resilience demand integrated approaches

The initial sessions highlighted the accelerating impact of rising atmospheric CO2 levels (predominantly linked to the use of fossil fuels), outlining how the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events (flooding, fires, and storms) pose significant challenges to community safety and environmental stability.

Discussions emphasised the need to escalate climate change as a priority on the political agenda, ensuring it is not overshadowed by short-term economic concerns. Equally as important, is the communication of successful climate initiatives through media channels to inspire community-led positive change.

Integrated land management plans on a catchment basis were also identified as a promising tool to mitigate flooding risks by managing the flow of water from the mountains to the sea. In turn, demonstrating the value of coordinated land-use strategies and the identified priority of regional spatial plans in the upcoming reforms.

Navigating competing interests in the marine environment

The conference also examined the complex challenges in managing New Zealand’s marine resources. What’s clear is that balancing iwi rights, Treaty settlements, coastal tourism, and aquaculture demands requires careful consideration and collaboration.

Recent legislative reforms renewing aquaculture consents through to 2050, have provided greater investment certainty for mussel farmers and mark a positive step forward for the sector. The next key goal identified by one of the speakers for the industry was improving spat survival rates from the current 1% to around 3% or higher (as this would reduce reliance on spat imported from locations like Ninety Mile Beach), supporting industry sustainability in the Marlborough Sounds.

Environmental concerns were also highlighted, including the spread of invasive species such as Caulerpa and the rise of kina barrens replacing kelp forests. The decline of key predator species like crayfish and snapper has exacerbated these ecological shifts.

Land-based activities, particularly clear-fell forestry, are also contributing sediment runoff that is further degrading marine habitats. Blue carbon initiatives, such as kelp cultivation and kina export, were discussed as being part of the solution for these issues, alongside terrestrial conservation efforts - emphasising the need for integrated strategies across land and sea.

Government vision for finalising RMA reform

Minister Chris Bishop outlined that the government intends to make the current RMA reforms the final major overhaul, with the goal being to deliver long-term clarity and confidence for investors and developers alike.

Key priorities identified to improve efficiency and certainty include:

• Establishing standardised national policies that apply across regional and district plans.
• Making spatial planning mandatory with a focus on key infrastructure corridors.
• Transferring decision-making responsibilities from individual council officers to higher regional and national levels.
• Streamlining processes by treating spatial plans as already aligned with national policy, reducing the need to escalate decisions to a policy-level.

Minister Bishop also emphasised that setting clear environmental limits will remain central to the reform framework.

The reform bills are expected to be introduced to Parliament by November 2025, with legislation expected in 2026. Efforts to secure bipartisan consensus aim to maintain stability and certainty regardless of potential government changes.

Reforming infrastructure funding and development contributions

In conjunction with RMA reforms, legislative changes to development contributions and levies are planned to improve infrastructure funding. The new system intends to better support funding for community assets such as parks and stormwater systems.

These changes will complement the existing Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2022, which has seen limited application to date. Enhanced funding mechanisms are expected to play a critical role in enabling integrated infrastructure development alongside resource management reforms.

Emphasising simplicity, proportionality, and practicality

Janette Campbell announced the reform goals as being centred on simplicity, proportionality, and achievability. She encouraged stakeholders to review the Report from the Expert Advisory Group on Resource management Reform (find out more here), especially the executive summary, which outlines the foundations for the reforms.

The proposed system aims to retain the effective elements from the current system while implementing considerable changes where necessary. A particular focus was on refining National Policy Statements to provide clearer, more concise guidance that balances competing priorities - a feature identified as lacking in the existing system.

Successful implementation of this will require the collective effort of practitioners over 2026 and 2027 to embed these reforms effectively.

Preparing for the future of resource management

Organisations positioned to adapt and lead in this evolving environment will be best placed to deliver value to clients and communities alike.

For those seeking further discussion on these reforms and their implications, ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the sector will be essential.