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.
Transitional consenting is the process used to manage resource consent applications and notices of requirement while Aotearoa New Zealand moves from the Resource Management Act (RMA) to the new planning system. During the transition, the RMA will continue to apply.
Targeted changes to the RMA
Targeted changes have been made to existing RMA processes so some benefits of the new planning system can be delivered sooner. During the transition period, councils will continue to make decisions on consents while key parts of the new system are rolled out.
Transitional consenting arrangements are expected to be in place until 2030. An Order in Council will set the transition date, when transitional consenting ends and the new consenting system begins. From that date, new applications will be processed and decided under the new legislation and new land use and natural environment plans.
A phased transition
A phased transition to the new planning system is underway. Some early changes are being introduced to improve processes and outcomes sooner, while maintaining certainty for councils, applicants and communities.
This approach keeps the focus on developing the national instruments and plans needed for the new system. As changes are introduced, we’ll provide guidance and support so users understand what’s changing, when it takes effect and what they need to do.