1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

1.1 This submission responds to the Ministry for the Environment's public consultation on proposed changes to National Policy Statements (NPSs) and National Environmental Standards (NESs) under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). These changes are presented in three packages released on 29 May 2025: Infrastructure & Development, the Primary Sector, and Freshwater.

1.2 The New Zealand Initiative is a Wellington-based public policy think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Our research and advocacy focus on promoting an open, prosperous, and fair society underpinned by the rule of law, strong institutions, and well-defined property rights.

1.3 We commend the government's overarching direction: the move toward a resource management system that respects property rights, enables development, and promotes efficient environmental management. This submission supports the general intent of the national direction changes, with specific suggestions to ensure the proposals realise their potential.

1.4 A fourth package was released on 18 June 2025 on ‘Going for Housing Growth’. The Initiative will be submitting separately on this package.

1.5 We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our submission with officials.