RMA Reform – Could the new rules unlock more from your site?
New Zealand has entered the transition from the RMA to the new planning system under the Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026. The RMA and existing plans remain in place, but important changes to resource consenting apply from 30 October 2026
For district land-use consents, councils must now disregard certain matters when assessing applications, affecting residential, commercial and other development. For residential development, these include matters such as outdoor living space, internal layout, unit size, balconies, glazing, private views and some landscaping requirements. That creates opportunities.
What could this mean for your project?
Projects that may previously have been constrained by district plan requirements may now be feasible under the updated consenting framework, subject to other applicable requirements.
If you’re:
– considering a new development;
– needing a resource consent;
– revisiting a site where planning constraints have limited what you can achieve; or
– holding an existing resource consent with conditions that may warrant review,
it’s worth taking a fresh look at what’s possible.
Get in touch with BTW’s Planning team to explore what the changes could mean for your project.
Our planners work alongside BTW’s surveyors, engineers and environmental specialists, bringing together the expertise to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Start with a conversation.
0800 289 787
[email protected]
www.btw.nz
