Key milestones in the transition

The timeline below outlines the main milestones for transitioning from the RMA system to the new planning system. We will add more details as more information is available.

2026

Enactment and start of transition

  1. The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act are passed into law.

    Automatic extension to expiry date of some consents.

  2. Transition period and transitional consenting begin. Existing RMA plans, consenting, and notices of requirement processes remain in place while the new planning system is introduced, with some targeted amendments.

    Transitional consenting amendments to the RMA commence:

    • new procedural principles to guide decision-making
    • reduced scope of effects to exclude certain matters from consideration if the resource consent application is for a district land use activity
    • two new/modified alternative permitted pathways
    • removal of special circumstances test for public notification.

    Transitional consenting implementation support delivered to practitioners.

    Compliance and enforcement amendments to the RMA commence and introduce Adverse Publicity Orders.

  3. Illustrative national policy direction engagement completed.

2027

National direction and early new-system tools

  1. Planning Tribunal established.

  2. The first national policy direction is issued.

    National standards for regional spatial plans are also finalised.

  3. Initial national standards introduced following national policy direction, expected to cover a consent pathway for:

    • marine farms in aquaculture settlement areas
    • vegetation management standards for infrastructure
    • a freshwater package (including commercial vegetable production, constructed wetlands and off-stream water storage)
    • minor works in waterways and temporary activities associated with infrastructure and other activities
    • residential and small- and medium-scale solar installations under 300kW.

2028

Spatial planning and national standards

  1. National standards relating to environmental limits are finalised.

  2. National standards supporting standardised plan provisions are finalised.

    Draft regional spatial plans are notified.

2029

Proposed plans notified

  1. Regional spatial plans are decided after public submissions and hearings.

  2. Councils publicly notify proposed natural environment plans and land use plans. After all proposed plans have been notified, the Minister recommends specified transition date through Order in Council.

    The RMA is repealed on the specific transition date.

2030+

Full new planning system

  1. Proposed natural environment plans and proposed land use plans have legal effect.

    Councils must decide natural environment and land use plans within 12 months of notification.

    New consent and permit applications processed under the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.

    Integrated digital planning and consenting environment is operational.