New planning laws receive Royal assent
New Zealand’s Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent, replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 to streamline land use, infrastructure, and environmental management under a new planning system.
The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have now become law after receiving Royal assent, marking the start of New Zealand’s transition to a new planning system. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court state the laws replace the Resource Management Act 1991, aiming to improve how land and environment are managed while supporting economic growth. The new system is designed to simplify consenting processes, making it easier to build homes, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. It also seeks to enhance environmental protection and provide greater certainty for councils, businesses, and communities.
A key change under the new system is the shift toward upfront decision-making, with national policy direction, consistent standards, and long-term regional spatial planning providing clearer rules. Regional spatial plans will guide growth over the next 30 years, integrating decisions on housing, business expansion, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Each region will develop a combined regional plan, consolidating spatial, natural environment, and land-use planning. The reforms aim to eliminate inconsistencies in planning rules across council boundaries.
Royal assent signals the transition from legislation to implementation, with councils tasked with maintaining continuity during the shift. Minister Bishop has directed councils to prepare for the new system by identifying risks, capability needs, and required investments. Councils will continue processing consents under the existing Resource Management Act while preparing for regional spatial planning and national policy direction. Transitional consenting arrangements will take effect in one month to minimize disruption and introduce early benefits of the new system.
The new Planning Tribunal, set to launch in 2027, will replace current council-led objection processes, offering a more independent and accessible way to resolve lower-level disputes. Central government will collaborate with local authorities to develop shared digital tools, regional e-plans, and consistent national planning information. A new website, planning.govt.nz, has been launched to provide guidance and updates on the transition. Feedback on the Government’s illustrative National Policy Direction is open until 16 October, with the first package of direction and standards finalized in 2027.