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.
Find out how the new planning system will be rolled out and what happens during the transition from the RMA.
A staged approach to introducing the new system
The new planning system will be introduced in stages over several years. Some changes will happen early, while others will be introduced over time.
Existing RMA plans, consents and processes will continue during the transition.
New national policy direction, national standards, regional spatial plans, data improvements and digital tools will be introduced progressively as the new system is rolled out.
The full system is expected to be in place by 2030.
Initial national standards are standards that can be applied during the transition period while existing RMA plans remain in place.
They may include national rules, objectives and policies that councils must consider when making decisions under the RMA. They can also include rules that override inconsistent provisions in existing RMA plans. However, they cannot require councils to amend those plans.
This allows some national standards to take effect before the new planning system is fully in place, without requiring changes to existing RMA plans.
Initial national standards will be developed as part of the new system. They must be consistent with the relevant national policy direction and go through the full consultation and approval process.
Compliance and enforcement
Councils will continue to be responsible for monitoring and enforcing planning and environmental rules during the transition to the new planning system.
Existing compliance and enforcement processes under the RMA will continue during the transition period, although some changes will be introduced as the new system is rolled out.