Changes have passed to the wide-reaching Resource Management Act - before a major overhaul planned for 2027

Parliament's today agreed changes, requiring consents for renewable energy within a year -- and letting councils up-zone around transport stations, like the City Rail Link.

It also eases removal of heritage protections.

RMA reform Minister Chris Bishop says it will remove roadblocks, and cut red tape.

He says they're trying for some quick wins, to unclog the arteries of growth in the economy.