Big fines, big consequences for environmental breaches

People who break the environmental rules might find their actions a little more expensive under recent changes to the Resource Management Act.

From 21 August 2025, fines issued under this legislation have jumped significantly. Fines for serious breaches can now be up to $1 million for individuals, and $10 million for companies. Importantly, insurance will no longer be able to cover these fines. 

Infringement fees for lower-level offending have also doubled or more, now ranging from $600 to $4,000 depending on the offence and whether it’s an individual or a company. For example, open burning of rubbish on any rural or urban property could now cost an individual $600, or a company $1,200. 

Other key changes include: 

• A history of non-compliance can now be considered by Council in processing a resource consent application.
• Serious breaches of a consent may trigger a review of consent conditions, or in extreme cases, lead to it being suspended or revoked by the Environment Court.

Together, these changes give Bay of Plenty Regional Council stronger tools to protect the environment, hold polluters to account, and send a clear message that non-compliance comes with serious consequences. 

Learn more about the changes introduced by the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025, changes to infringement fees, or read Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s enforcement policy.