Consents and notices of requirement during the transition

Existing resource consents granted under the RMA will continue during the transition.

They will transition into the new system, becoming planning consents, natural resource permits, or both, depending on what they authorise.

Some existing RMA resource consents that would otherwise expire between the Acts coming into force and two years after the specified transition date will generally be extended to two years after the specified transition date.

However, water-related consents are not extended beyond a 35-year duration. The extension does not apply to consents associated with wastewater networks as defined under the Water Services Act 2021.

Applying for new consents, permits and notices of requirement

If you need a resource consent, notice of requirement or outline plan, you will continue to apply through your local council during the transition period.

Existing RMA plans will remain in place during the transition, and councils will continue to process consent applications under the RMA.

See transitional consenting.