DairyNZ calls for changes to RMA reform

DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says RMA reform is needed, but needs to be done correctly.

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DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed Resource Management Act reform needs further work to ensure it delivers on its intent.

In December 2025, the Government released two new bills – the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill – to replace the Resource Management Act.

DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown said reform was needed, but it needed to be done right.

“We fully support the need for change, but it needs to be practical for farmers and beneficial for the environment,” she said.

“The current act is more than 30 years old, so any new legislation needs to reflect the realities of farming now and set both the sector and wider New Zealand economy up for success into the future.”

Brown said DairyNZ strongly supported reducing complexity, fewer consents, more consistency, and better recognition of the non-regulatory work farmers were already doing.

She said that after reviewing the legislation and talking to farmers, some significant concerns needed to be looked at.

“The proposed changes to permitted activities make things more onerous for farmers.

“We need clear and practical permitted activity rules for low‑impact farming activities like grazing, track maintenance, and stand-off pads."

DairyNZ also had concerns about how environmental limits would be set, she said.

“We want to ensure they are based on environmental outcomes, such as ecosystem health, which are achievable and effective in a real working catchment.

“The legislation proposes market‑based approaches to allocation and resource‑use levies.

“These need to be deferred until there is clear evidence they are a suitable and effective approach.”

Brown said it was encouraging to see the Government taking on the sector views and already ruling out any form of “water tax”.

“The proposed changes also mean Freshwater Farm Plans would duplicate consent requirements farmers already face.

“These plans should be the main tool for managing waterway risks on-farm to avoid duplication and be better tailored to farms individual needs.”

Brown said DairyNZ would continue working with the Government and sector partners to ensure any reform was effective, workable and enduring.

• Read the DairyNZ submission here.