UDIA Submissions on RMA Reform Consultations
- Yu-Ning Liu
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
The Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) is pleased to share our recent submissions to the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on key aspects of the Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. These submissions reflect our commitment to shaping well-functioning, resilient, and people-focused urban environments across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Package 1: National Direction for Infrastructure and Development
In our submission on the proposed National Policy Statement for Infrastructure (NPS-I), UDIA highlighted the importance of long-term, well-coordinated infrastructure planning that supports thriving towns and cities. We emphasised:
The need for robust, integrated spatial planning at national, regional and local levels.
Recognition of a broader definition of infrastructure, extending to community facilities and social housing.
Infrastructure delivery guided by strong urban design principles, including enhancing people’s daily lives, caring for neighbourhood identity, embracing change and resilience, and addressing societal challenges.
Read the full submission here:
Package 4: Going for Housing Growth
In response to the Going for Housing Growth discussion paper, UDIA reinforced the value of urban design in delivering quality, affordable housing and liveable communities. Key points included:
Growth should not be reduced to a numbers problem, but instead harnessed to deliver net benefits for communities.
The importance of spatial planning and integrated infrastructure investment across different settlement scales.
Support for intensification and mixed-use development, while recognising feasibility, market demand, and quality design as paramount to success.
Recognition of social and community infrastructure, including affordable housing, as essential to urban wellbeing.
Read the full submission here:
Looking Ahead
UDIA is committed to contributing expertise and leadership as reforms progress. Our submissions reflect the shared vision of our members to create urban environments that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.
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