Planning rules are changing. Projects still need certainty.
With reforms replacing the RMA, land development and infrastructure projects are entering a period of transition. We’re helping clients understand what applies now, what’s changing, and how to make smart decisions through the shift. Clear advice. Fewer surprises.
Here’s a quick look at what’s changed, and why it matters:
- The government has just introduced two new laws: the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. These will together replace the current RMA-based system.
- Under the new regime, the number of plans will shrink dramatically (from 100+ down to 17). Under the new planning system, instead of having separate district plans (city councils) and regional plans (regional councils), each region will have one combined plan. Think of them as a one plan per region that covers both land use and environmental rules.
- The consenting system will also be overhauled, with fewer consents overall. Many low-impact activities that previously needed a resource consent under the RMA may become ‘permitted by default.’
- Transitional provisions mean that until the new laws are fully in force, some RMA-based processes will still run.
The legal and planning framework is shifting quickly. What doesn’t change is the need for clear, practical advice that helps projects progress with confidence.
In simple terms:
- Fewer plans to navigate
- Clearer direction at a regional level
- More consistency between councils in the same region
- Still local rules — but within a shared regional framework
What you need to know now:
- Local context still matters
- Transitional rules will apply for years
- Existing consents and applications won’t disappear overnight
- BTW’s Planning team can help you avoid assumptions, interpret today’s rules and what’s coming next, and translate high-level policy into site-specific reality.
Get in touch today about a project you have in mind.
