The recent decision by the New Zealand Government to scrap the Resource Management Act (RMA) has stirred up a lot of conversation—and rightly so. At Proximity Development, a Hawke’s Bay-based residential project management company, we’ve seen firsthand how the RMA has shaped projects we’ve worked on across Hastings and Napier. While the move to replace it may present some opportunities, it also comes with a fair share of uncertainty.
For over 30 years, the RMA has been the framework through which we’ve managed environmental protection, urban growth, housing development, and infrastructure planning. Love it or hate it, every consent, every boundary adjustment, every subdivision in Hastings and Napier has gone through that system. So what happens now that it’s being scrapped?
What’s Changing?
The government’s decision to repeal the RMA is part of a broader effort to simplify and speed up the consenting process. They argue that the current system is too slow, too complex, and often a roadblock to much-needed development—especially housing. As anyone who has waited months for a resource consent in Hawke’s Bay knows, that’s not an exaggeration.
But we’re still in the early days. While the previous government proposed three new acts (NBA, SPA, and CAA), the current government is likely to take a different approach. What we do know is that we’re in a transitional period, and that means both short-term disruption and long-term change.
Short-Term Impacts on Land Development in Hawke’s Bay
For developers and property owners in Hastings and Napier, the immediate impact will be a period of adjustment—and potential confusion. Many people who are planning on land development & subdivisions in Hastings & Napier are already asking:
Will my existing resource consent still be valid?
What happens if I want to change plans mid-project?
Will council processes change immediately?
In the short term, councils like Hastings District and Napier City are still operating under existing RMA processes. But as the new laws are introduced, we can expect delays, uncertainty around rules, and possibly inconsistent interpretations between councils.
We’re already seeing some hesitation from property owners considering new land developments in Hawke’s Bay—especially those involving coastal builds, multi-lot subdivisions, or anything that previously required detailed environmental assessments. That uncertainty can stall projects and planning, which ironically works against the government’s goal of speeding things up.
Long-Term Opportunities… and Risks
If the new framework is done right, we could see a more efficient planning system in Hawke’s Bay—something that supports smart property development without getting bogged down in red tape. This could be a game-changer for addressing the housing shortage we’re facing across the region.
For instance, the ability to streamline large-scale housing developments could open doors for much-needed residential growth in places like Havelock North, Frimley, and Taradale. That’s good news for first-home buyers, young families, and investors alike.
But the long-term picture isn’t without risks.
One of the biggest concerns is the potential erosion of environmental safeguards. The RMA, for all its flaws, was based on the idea of sustainability—making sure our land, waterways, and ecosystems were protected as we grew. Hastings and Napier are particularly vulnerable when it comes to water quality and land use. We’ve already seen issues with freshwater pollution, floodplain development, and stormwater management. A system that’s too pro-development could ignore those lessons and repeat old mistakes.
How Proximity Development is Responding
Our focus, as always, is to guide our clients through complex planning processes and deliver high-quality residential project management across the region. But now more than ever, that means keeping a close eye on legislative changes, local council updates, and industry insights.
Whether you’re planning a new build in Napier South, subdividing a lifestyle block in Clive, or navigating zoning in Hastings’ urban growth areas, we’re here to help you make sense of the changing landscape.
We’re actively engaging with councils and planning experts to stay ahead of the curve, so we can give our clients the clarity and confidence they need to move forward.
Final Thoughts
Scrapping the RMA is a bold move. In many ways, it’s overdue. But bold moves also come with responsibility—and risk. For those of us building homes and communities in Hastings and Napier, the challenge will be to make sure the new system works not just for developers, but for the people and places we’re building for.
As the dust settles, our team at Proximity Development will continue doing what we do best: navigating complexity, advocating for smart growth, and building great homes that reflect the best of our region.
If you’re unsure how these changes might affect your upcoming project, get in touch. We’re here to help.
Get Expert Advice
If you’re considering subdividing in Hawke’s Bay, our team at Proximity Development can help with feasibility studies, property advisory, and project management. Contact us today for expert guidance on making the right decision for your property.