Resource management stories
Business leaders say the overhaul could speed up planning, cut costs and improve housing and infrastructure delivery, but local councils face uncertainty.
Transport industry groups say decades of stop-start planning could end if National’s $31 billion road and rail programme goes ahead.
The proposed $31 billion programme would reshape commuting in the upper North Island, while relying on RMA repeal and borrowing powers.
Consumers faced an extra USD $80 million bill as the Electricity Authority found Meridian’s spilling also raised emissions and fossil fuel use.
The project will add 93 MW of capacity and offset 100,000 tonnes of CO2 a year as MainPower begins site works near Waipara.
Planners warn the rushed consents could sideline community input and environmental safeguards as recovery projects are sped through this month.
New rules will impose tougher farm controls and swimming standards, but scientists warn implementation will determine whether waterways actually improve.
Temporary changes to resource consenting could speed up Covid-19 recovery projects, though councils warn wider planning reforms must follow.
Billions in COVID-19 spending could be used to unlock projects, create jobs and speed New Zealand’s economic recovery, Infrastructure NZ says.
Youth, immigrants and urban Maori are most at risk as planners warn New Zealand must better reflect its diverse communities.
Environmental pressure is forcing China to curb single-use plastics, with major cities set to lose plastic bags by year-end.
New roads, rail, schools and hospitals should help address years of underinvestment, though critics question whether USD $12 billion is enough.
A new report has reinforced pressure on ministers to back council infrastructure spending, after all eight cities were classed as severely unaffordable.
Rising visitor numbers are putting New Zealand’s lakes, tracks and towns under strain, with a watchdog warning current policy will not curb damage.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Without a national framework, Australian energy-from-waste projects risk stranded investment and misallocated feedstock in the circular economy.
Culture failures are now visible to customers and investors, and data show they can hit productivity, retention and profits.
The cancelled Waitaha project exposes how uncertain consents can waste years and millions for regional developers and renewables alike.
A new report says devolving housing and transport could improve delivery, while central government keeps most tax revenue and oversight.
