Environmental Assessment (EA) in New Zealand has undergone significant change as a consequence of recent reforms. The article outlines provisions for EA in the Resource Management Act 1991 and reviews progress in its implementation. Innovative features such as provision for environmental assessment of local government plans are highlighted. Different styles of planning and environmental assessment are identified. Application of EA at the policy level is variable but is an inevitable outcome of a system which is devolved and flexible. The article concludes that the unique way in which EA has been integrated in the Act may make evaluation of its effectiveness difficult.