National direction is not new. New Zealand already has national direction on issues such as infrastructure, urban development and renewable electricity generation. However, it is currently spread across different planning documents, making it harder to navigate.
The new planning system is designed to work more clearly and consistently. Decisions made at one level of the system help guide the next stage of planning, rather than reopening the same issues at each step. This is intended to reduce duplication, provide greater certainty, and ensure national priorities are reflected in regional plans and local planning rules.
Goals guide the system
The new system has a clear link between national priorities and local decisions. The goals under each Act set the overall direction for the new planning system. They explain what each Act is designed to achieve and guide planning decisions at every level.
National instruments set priorities and rules
National instruments include national policy direction and national standards. They help turn the goals of each Act into planning rules and decisions.
National policy direction sets out national priorities and provides direction on nationally important issues such as housing, infrastructure, natural hazards and the environment.
National standards and regulations support this direction by setting consistent processes, rules and planning requirements across the country. They help shape what councils include in their plans and how those plans are applied.
Spatial plans shape regions
Regional spatial plans give effect to national policy direction and national standards at a regional level. They set the long-term direction for growth and change in a region for the next 30-plus years.
Plans apply direction locally
Land use plans under the Planning Act set the rules for how land can be used and developed. Natural environment plans under the Natural Environment Act set the rules for how natural resources are used, protected and managed.
These plans put national direction, national standards and regional spatial plans into practice. They do this through tools such as zones, rules, designations, limits and overlays.
Consents and permits make activity decisions
Councils then make decisions on consents under the Planning Act and permits under the Natural Environment Act.
By addressing more issues earlier in the process, the new system is intended to be more efficient and predictable. It gives councils, applicants and communities greater clarity about what has already been decided and where decisions still need to be made.
Figure 1: System architecture diagram
