But they have also suggested that lawmakers could need the public’s help in getting the development rule book right.
The Government has taken the unusual step of asking the public for early input to help it shape legislation to replace the Resource Management Act, which is New Zealand’s main law governing how people interact with natural resources but which is considered cumbersome and inefficient.
Among the proposed changes is slashing more than 100 policy statements to just 14 regional plans, improving certainty for developers.
The emphasis would shift from avoiding adverse effects associated with developments to protecting the environment and promoting developments that had broad positive outcomes.
Dunedin city councillor David Benson-Pope welcomed the planned introduction of national environmental bottom lines and greater involvement from central government in setting direction.
Cr Benson-Pope said the planned three replacement laws should reduce unnecessary litigation and argument, but it looked like more work could be needed to ensure housing was of suitable quality.
He highlighted insulation standards mattered more in Dunedin than in other parts of New Zealand and said the city’s advantages had been hard-won.
"People have come here because of urban form and how accessible and compact our city is - and we want to keep it that way," Cr Benson-Pope said.
"This city, for some years now, has sought to have well-designed growth in the right places."
Intensification of housing is expected to put some pressure on heritage areas.
New Zealand Heritage Properties manager Dr Hayden Cawte said he was not sure sufficient emphasis had yet been placed on maintaining architectural heritage.
"I’m hoping there is consideration of built heritage or appreciation of built heritage," Dr Cawte said.
The Resource Management Act is to be replaced by the Natural and Built Environments Act, the Strategic Planning Act and Climate Adaptation Act.
Environment Minister David Parker said planning rules were partly to blame for the housing crisis.
"We are creating a system that will be less complex, take less time to administer and be less costly."
Dunedin ecological architect Gary Todd said reform was much-needed.
"These initiatives could be vital, especially in locations like South Dunedin and many other coastal communities to improve the wellbeing of present and future generations," the ecological building designer said.
Simpler consenting processes could speed up the delivery of improved infrastructure, he said.
Mr Todd said shifting to a holistic, outcomes-based approach should protect and enhance the natural and built environment and lead to better quality urban design and development.
That approach could result in more cohesive communities as well, the architect said.
Aukaha consultancy director and Otakou kaumatua Edward Ellison said the new legislation would give more weight to Treaty of Waitangi principles.
The Resource Management Act required decision-makers to "take account of" the Treaty and the new legislation would require them to "give effect to" Treaty principles.
Mr Ellison said decision-makers would have to do more than just consider the Treaty.
The New Zealand Planning Institute encouraged people to have their say on the first draft of the Natural and Built Environments Act.
RMA proposals
• More than 100 policy statements could be consolidated to 14.
• New set-up expected to be more efficient.
• Emphasis shifts from avoiding adverse effects to promoting positive outcomes.
• National environmental limits to be brought in.
• Decision-makers would give effect to Treaty of Waitangi principles.
• Public can have early input into legislation.
