Employer Bulletin | 12 October 2026
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
The Government has completed the biggest overhaul of national direction in the history of the Resource Management Act – with the final changes making it faster, easier and more affordable to build and upgrade New Zealand’s electricity and telecommunications networks, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Over the past two years the Government has developed or amended 16 national direction instruments to remove unnecessary barriers to housing, infrastructure, energy and the primary sector,” Mr Bishop says.
“The final two are the National Environmental Standards for Electricity Network Activities and Telecommunication Facilities.
“National environmental standards set the rules for how particular activities are treated under the RMA, including when straightforward work can go ahead without needing a resource consent.
“Requiring a consent for routine or low-impact work costs money, takes time and can delay investment without necessarily delivering a better environmental outcome.
“The national direction programme has been designed as a bridge during the transition between outgoing resource management laws and the Government’s replacement planning system, the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
“We are already consulting on illustrative National Policy Direction for the new system, which shows how the Government intends to set clear national priorities for housing and development, infrastructure, primary production, resources and important public and environmental values.
“These reforms could save an estimated between $40 million and $50 million in planning and consenting costs over the next decade.”
In today’s Bulletin:
Health and safety call regarding baby onsite moves too fast
Hook, line and procedural sinker
Employer entitled to stand by the conditions of its employee benefits
Employer’s rating of employee does not confer disadvantage
Brand ambassador was an independent contractor, not employee
Seven news updates of interest for employers including:
Resilience investment in key Waikato freight link
Regulation Ministry sets sites on building sector
Strategic plan sets direction for Queenstown transport
Queenstown cable car gets lift through Active Investor Plus visa
Otago Central Lakes Deal signed to back growth
RMA national direction reforms complete
Land secured for South Auckland hospital
Six Bills open for submission
If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
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