# New Zealand land use and planning reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-land-use-and-planning-reforms > Updated: 2026-10-11T22:46:58.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. New Zealand has undergone significant legislative changes regarding land use and development. The government passed the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991. This new framework aims to provide a consistent legal foundation for infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, and food production by resolving planning decisions through national policy directions and regional spatial plans. The NZ Vegetable Council welcomed the reform, noting that the Natural Environment Act prioritizes food and fibre production, which may provide stability for the $1.1 billion vegetable industry. Following these legislative shifts, the New Zealand First Party proposed further reforms to the fast-track residential approval regime. This policy would require developers to demonstrate that necessary infrastructure is funded and capable of being delivered before receiving housing approvals. The proposal includes the creation of expert panels with the authority to decline projects based on infrastructure capacity and introduces a sunset period for existing fast-track projects that fail to lodge applications by the end of 2028. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: New Zealand First proposes infrastructure-linked housing approvals New Zealand First has proposed reforms to the fast-track housing regime, requiring developers to prove infrastructure availability before receiving residential project approvals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-first-proposes-infrastructure-linked-housing-approvals ### 2026-09-29: New Zealand passes landmark planning and environment laws New Zealand has enacted the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act to reform resource management, aiming to provide greater certainty for infrastructure, housing, and the $1.1 billion vegetable industry. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-passes-landmark-planning-and-environment-laws --- Cite as: New Zealand land use and planning reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-land-use-and-planning-reforms