Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to media after Andrew Coster allegations, ahead of Resource Management Act reform reveal

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to speak to reporters shortly at the start of the final parliamentary sitting bloc of the year.

Luxon may preview actions to be announced tomorrow to reform the Resource Management Act (RMA).

A livestream of the press conference will be found above, about 4pm.

The Government has already introduced legislation to repeal the previous administration’s “overly complex” changes and to tackle what ministers view as red tape caused by the current RMA.

On Tuesday RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop will unveil the full replacement, which is expected to consist of two new laws “that better reflect the importance of private property rights”.

“The new planning system legislation will be introduced to Parliament before the end of this year, pass into law next year, and be in effect by 2027,” he said earlier this year.

The Herald reported at the weekend that the reforms are expected to replace the current 100+ plans with about 17 regional plans, with far fewer planning zones and activities that require a consent.

Ministers, including Luxon, have talked up the proposed changes as among the most significant actions this Government will take.

Luxon is also expected on Monday afternoon to field more questions about allegations made by former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster that Police Minister Mark Mitchell knew of details about Jevon McSkimming’s relationship earlier than he’s said.

Mitchell has denied those claims, maintaining the first time he became aware of McSkimming’s affair and the independent investigation into complaints was on November 6 last year.

Coster also claimed he told former Police Minister Chris Hipkins of McSkimming’s relationship in 2022, something Hipkins has denied happened.