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New planning laws are now in place. The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport is publishing guidance, tools and updates on this website as the new planning system is introduced in stages.

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  • How will it affect you
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Planning system overview

Find out why the planning system is changing, how the new system will work, and what it could mean for you.

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  • Why the system is changing
  • How the new system will differ from the RMA
  • How decisions are made
  • What the new system could mean for you
  • When the changes are happening
  • Consents and notices of requirement during the transition
  • Key milestones in the transition
  • When you can have your say

How will it affect you

Find out what the new planning system could mean for Māori, communities, businesses and organisations across New Zealand.

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  • Māori interests
  • The natural environment
  • Local government
  • Homeowners and landowners
  • Property development
  • Infrastructure
  • Farming and growing
  • Marine environment

Implementation and guidance

Access practitioner information and support for implementing the new planning system with confidence.

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  • How the new system is being implemented
  • Implementation training and events
  • Transitional consenting
  • Regional spatial plans
  • Land use planning
  • Standardised plan content for district land use plans
  • Natural environment planning
  • Environmental limits
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  2. Implementation and guidance
  3. Regional spatial plans
  4. How regional spatial plans work with other instruments and plans

Regional spatial plans

  • About regional spatial plans
  • How regional spatial plans differ from the RMA
  • How regional spatial plans will work
  • Timeframes and process for spatial planning
  • Roles and responsibilities for developing regional spatial plans
  • How regional spatial plans work with other instruments and plans
  • How different groups will interact with spatial planning
  • Spatial planning guidance, training and events

How regional spatial plans work with other instruments and plans

Find out how regional spatial plans fit with other parts of the planning system.

About the link to other instruments and plans

Regional spatial plans implement relevant national policy direction and standards and influence other plans:

  • Land use plans and natural environment plans must implement spatial plans.
  • Long-term plans and water services strategies must include steps to implement spatial plan actions which a local authority or water services provider is responsible for.
  • Regional land transport plans must be consistent with spatial plans.

Figure 2: How regional spatial plans link to other instruments and plans

A diagram showing how a regional spatial plan is guided by national policy direction and national standards, and how it influences several long-term planning documents.

Related pages

Roles and responsibilities for developing regional spatial plans

Learn about the roles and responsibilities of local authorities, central government, spatial plan committees and secretariats in developing spatial plans.

How different groups will interact with spatial planning

Find out how different groups contribute to the development and implementation of regional spatial plans.

Regional spatial plans

  • About regional spatial plans
  • How regional spatial plans differ from the RMA
  • How regional spatial plans will work
  • Timeframes and process for spatial planning
  • Roles and responsibilities for developing regional spatial plans
  • How regional spatial plans work with other instruments and plans
  • How different groups will interact with spatial planning
  • Spatial planning guidance, training and events

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