Latest news with #RMA
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Collaboration Essential To Tackling Housing Challenges — LGNZ
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says it is vital local and central government work together to address the country's housing issues, including incentivising councils to achieve housing growth. This follows the release of the Government's 'Going for Housing Growth' consultation document today, which outlines Pillar 1 of the Government's Going for Housing Growth programme. LGNZ Vice President Campbell Barry says that while many of the proposals are welcome, the time has come for the Government to establish a more positive relationship with councils on housing. 'It's clear that significant action is needed to address New Zealand's housing crisis, and some of what the Government is proposing is a positive step towards this,' says Campbell Barry. 'And while we understand and share the Government's concern around the issues that exist in the RMA space, it's not helpful or accurate to portray councils as the sole architects of New Zealand's housing crisis. 'Councils have faced ongoing uncertainty as planning rules have changed repeatedly; the RMA was replaced, then that system was repealed, there were promises and reversals on the Medium Density Residential Standards, multiple RMA amendments, and now another replacement is being rushed through. 'The goal posts for councils have been constantly shifted.' 'With the exception of Government giving itself power to intervene in plans, we're confident that councils will respond positively to these changes overall. But the Government also needs to give councils the chance to deliver before it imposes unnecessary constraints on local decision-making, such as the ability for Government to intervene directly to alter the structure of council plans.' Campbell Barry says that the best way to achieve housing outcomes is to stop disincentivising councils to allow for growth. 'It's important to acknowledge that many councils across the country have worked extremely hard to cater for growth, as they recognise the need for more housing and growth. 'If the Government wants to encourage the right behaviours in a sustainable way and build on its good work around development levies, it needs to follow through on introducing a share of GST on new builds to encourage councils to support growth — as well as other funding levers that enable housing growth. 'That would be a far better and more effective option than the Government threatening to veto council decisions. 'We look forward to engaging with the Government further to ensure local and central government work together, to address the housing issues that continue to plague our country'.
1News
4 days ago
- Business
- 1News
Govt to give itself power to override councils on housing in RMA changes
The Government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. In a speech to business leaders at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has announced Cabinet will insert a new regulation power into the Resource Management Act. Before a minister can use the power they would have to investigate the provision in question, check whether it is consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council. Bishop expected the power to only be necessary until the new planning system was in place, but said it was necessary when councils used their power to stop growth. Bishop on Wednesday released a discussion document on how proposed housing rule changes would work in with the government's resource management reforms. ADVERTISEMENT The Gordon Wilson Flats are now a step closer to being demolished. (Source: 1News) "Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs. "The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth," Bishop said. The document provided more details on six planned law changes: The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils New rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringe A strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across cities. The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirements New provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Auckland's supermarket fire, Trump's threat to Iran, and how a smart watch could make you fitter. (Source: 1News) Last month ministers released proposed sweeping changes to rules covering councils' oversight for public consultation. ADVERTISEMENT Under the proposed Resource Management Act changes, granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones. Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Genetec Accelerates NZ Business Momentum With Sektor Partner Appointment
Auckland/Sydney - 18 June 2025— Genetec Inc. ('Genetec'), a global leader in enterprise physical security software, today announced the appointment of leading technology distributor, Sektor, as its official distribution partner in New Zealand. This collaboration is aimed at accelerating the growth of physical security solutions across large and mid-market enterprises in both the public and private sectors throughout New Zealand. Sektor, a well-established technology distributor, is dedicated to supplying professional security installers and integrators with a wide range of purpose-built technology solutions. With strong expertise in video management, access control, networking, and analytics, Sektor will offer locally available stock, expert guidance, and exceptional customer support. As part of the agreement, Sektor will manage Genetec hardware inventory, provide pricing in local currency, deliver supply chain and logistics services, and support the local Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) process for the company's internationally supplied hardware. In addition, Sektor will open a Genetec Technology Centre in Penrose, Auckland. The centre will offer partners and customers hands-on, interactive access to Genetec technologies, including video management, access control, license plate recognition, security and communications management, and secure cloud services. Hayden Bowtell, General Manager at Sektor, commented, 'We are very pleased and excited to be partnering with Genetec to further enhance the security of New Zealand communities and workplaces. To support this partnership, we're expanding our commercial and technical teams to help drive adoption and integration of advanced physical security solutions nationwide.' George Moawad, Country Manager for Oceania, Genetec, added, 'Genetec and Sektor share a strong focus on people and customer success, making this collaboration a natural fit. Together, we're committed to delivering exceptional outcomes, with New Zealand customers now able to benefit from Sektor's extensive local capabilities and resources.' About Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company's portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world's leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company's portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Saying Yes To Housing Growth
Minister of Housing Minister for RMA Reform New Zealanders have an opportunity to help shape the new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) through public consultation on removing unnecessary barriers to housing growth, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. 'New Zealand's house prices are among the most expensive in the developed world – a direct result of our current planning system making it too hard for our cities to grow up and out. 'Fixing our housing crisis involves fixing the fundamentals of our housing market - freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth. 'Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs. 'The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth. 'Last year I announced the Government had committed to six major legislative changes to help free up land for housing and let our cities grow: The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils New rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringe A strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across our cities. The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirements New provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils. 'The discussion document I'm releasing today provides further detail on how these changes will operate in practice, and how they'll integrate into the government's resource management reforms. Feedback through the consultation process will be used to shape the development of the new planning system. 'The NPS-UD was a good starting point for strengthening housing growth in cities, but the government is committed to going further to help create competitive urban land markets and abundant development opportunities. The discussion document proposes a range of changes to strengthen the existing rules. 'As I indicated last week, the government is no longer proposing to make the MDRS optional for councils. This is because most councils (with three exceptions) have already changed their plans to include the MDRS, and so it would be inefficient and a waste of time and money to make them potentially change their plans in 2025 and 2026 when the new resource management system will go live in 2027. 'Bespoke legislative solutions have been designed for Auckland and Christchurch, reflected in the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill recently reported back to Parliament. In Auckland's case, it allows the Council to withdraw their existing plan change (PC78) and replace it with a new one, which provides the same level of capacity (or greater) in PC78, as well as strengthened density provisions around City Rail Link stations. 'The discussion document canvasses a range of important issues, including future development strategies and spatial planning, housing growth targets, responsive planning and rural-urban boundaries, intensification, enabling a mix of uses across urban environments and minimum floor area and balcony requirements. 'I encourage New Zealanders to share their views on these important issues by making a submission.' Public consultation on the Going for Housing Growth discussion document opens today at and will run until 17 August 2025. This is early non-statutory consultation and public feedback on will be used to shape the development of the new resource management system. Note:
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Govt to give itself power to override councils on housing
Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. Photo: RNZ The government will take back power from local councils if their decisions are going to negatively impact economic growth, development or employment. In a speech to business leaders at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Housing and RMA reform minister Chris Bishop has announced Cabinet will insert a new regulation power into the Resource Management Act. Before a minister can use the power they would have to investigate the provision in question, check whether it is consistent with the national direction under the RMA, and engage with the council. Bishop expected the power to only be necessary until the new planning system was in place, but said it was necessary when councils used their power to stop growth. Bishop on Wednesday released a discussion document on how proposed housing rule changes would work in with the government's resource management reforms. "Next year we'll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs. "The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth," Bishop said. The document provided more details on six planned law changes: • The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils • New rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringe • A strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) • New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across cities. • The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirements • New provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils. Last month ministers released proposed sweeping changes to rules covering councils' oversight for public consultation. Under the proposed Resource Management Act changes, granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones. Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities.
