How regional spatial plans differ from the RMA

Planning at a regional scale

This is the first time, all regions in Aotearoa New Zealand will be required to develop a spatial plan at a regional scale. Previously spatial planning has been at a sub-regional scale, for example through urban growth partnerships or future development strategies. While national direction required future development strategies for tier 1 and 2 urban areas, these were limited in scope and geographic coverage and addressed matters inconsistently.

A more consistent approach

The new system provides a more consistent approach to defining scope, developing spatial plans, using evidence and information, and presenting spatial plans. Spatial plans must implement relevant national instruments made under the Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026.

More emphasis will be placed on options assessment and implementation planning to ensure actions identified in plans are realistic and take funding requirements into account.

Greater central government involvement

The new legislation provides for greater central government involvement in developing regional spatial plans through both the secretariat and governance arrangements for spatial planning committees.

Central government will also contribute through the broader participation of agencies and Crown entities in the spatial planning process. In addition to committee and secretariat roles, the legislation provides for early engagement with central government agencies, including as infrastructure providers, service delivery agencies, landowners and investors.

The objective is to provide a coordinated central government perspective, support alignment between regional spatial plans and national direction, and help ensure regional decisions contribute to the Government's priorities and objectives.

Regional spatial plans will be published in a national e-plan viewer. Spatial data will underpin the maps in each plan, which will show growth areas, constraints, infrastructure corridors and hazard exposure.

Central government will support local authorities and secretariats by investing in foundational datasets to make regional spatial plans nationally consistent. National guidance may set out expectations for how nationally provided data should be used or referenced when developing regional spatial plans.

About regional spatial plans

Find out how regional spatial plans will guide future growth, development and investment to support thriving, resilient regions.

How regional spatial plans will work

Find out about how regional spatial plans will work, including what they will cover, how they will guide growth, infrastructure and environmental planning, and how they will help coordinate long-term decision-making across regions.