The Resource Management Act (RMA) is in the process of being turned on its head and this means some huge changes are coming for people living in Central Otago.

New RMA reforms have focused on a more liberal planning system that prioritises property rights and enables housing growth and infrastructure development.

On Wednesday Otago Regional Council staff updated the Environmental Strategy and Planning Committee on what this meant for the region.

The reform involves replacing the current RMA with two new acts: the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act. 

Key aspects of the reform include managing actual environmental effects and reducing the burden of regulations on landowners. 

Granny flats up to 70 sq m no longer need a consent under an RMA amendment to the Building Act. FILE SHOT

The new acts are anticipated to be introduced by the end of 2025, with select committee submissions in 2026 and the new legislation passed before the next election. 

Dunstan ward councillor Gary Kelliher said councils have had to deal with heavy handed regulations for many years, and demanded that the regional council fell into line with the new direction of the Government.

“The people of Otago are sick of being over regulated and requiring consent for everything. They need to get on with business and grow the economy,’’ he said.

The Coalition Government has already agreed to make it easier for people to build granny flats by increasing the maximum size allowed to be built without consents.

This was announced by RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk in early April.

“Last year the Government consulted on allowing granny flats of up to 60 sq m to be built without building or resource consents. The proposal received huge support, and as a result the Government has agreed to go even further by increasing the maximum size to 70 sq m,” Minister Bishop said.

A new National Environmental Standard (NES) under the RMA will be developed and in place by the end of this year to give effect to the proposals, timed to take effect with changes to the Building Act.

The Government will introduce an amendment to the Building Act in the middle of this year which will exempt granny flats from needing a building consent if The granny flat has a simple design and meets the Building Code; building work is carried out by authorised building professionals and homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.

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