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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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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
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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
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  3. Transitional consenting
  4. Transitional consenting guidance

Transitional consenting

  • How consenting works during the transition
  • Changes to the RMA
  • National direction changes that affect consenting
  • Transitional consenting implementation training and events
  • Future implementation of the new planning system
  • Transitional consenting guidance

Transitional consenting guidance

Find guidance on how consenting will transition to the new system.

Applying for resource consent during the transition to the new planning system

This factsheet helps applicants understand what the move to the new planning system may mean for them. It gives a clear overview of the transitional arrangements for district land use activity resource consent applications and explains what applicants may need to do under the amended Resource Management Act 1991.
 
Technical guidance for councils and decision-makers

This guidance helps explain how resource consent applications will be managed as we move to the new planning system. It is written mainly for consent authorities, consent planners and other professionals who need more detailed information about the amended Resource Management Act 1991 and the transitional consenting rules introduced by the Planning Act 2026.
 
Practitioner checklists for the resource consent process

These checklists guide councils and others through the key steps for processing resource consent applications during the transition. They are designed to help users work out which rules apply, what decisions need to be made, and how to meet the transitional requirements.
 
Worked scenarios for the resource consent process

This factsheet uses practical examples to show how the transitional consenting arrangements may work in real-life situations. It helps explain common scenarios and what the changes made by the Planning Act 2026 may mean for the resource consent process.

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Future implementation of the new planning system

More parts of the new planning system will be introduced over time, including initial national standards, regional spatial plans and a Planning Tribunal.

Transitional consenting

  • How consenting works during the transition
  • Changes to the RMA
  • National direction changes that affect consenting
  • Transitional consenting implementation training and events
  • Future implementation of the new planning system
  • Transitional consenting guidance

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