New Zealand’s planning system is undergoing its biggest overhaul in more than 30 years; the reforms are intended to simplify planning rules and reduce unnecessary consenting requirements when developing land. The claim comes from the New Zealand Government, specifically RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court.
On 30th of September 2026, the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act received Royal assent, beginning the gradual replacement of the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The current RMA will continue to apply during the transition, with the new planning system expected to become fully operational from 2030. However, some important changes will take effect earlier, from 30th of October 2026.
The RMA is being replaced by two separate Acts:
- Planning Act: This primarily covers land use, subdivision and development.
- Natural Environment Act: This primarily covers environmental matters, including freshwater, discharges and biodiversity.
Existing district and regional plans will progressively be replaced by a more coordinated planning framework, supported by long term regional spatial plans that identify future growth areas, infrastructure needs and development constraints.
While these changes are expected to create opportunities for some developments, the practical benefits will depend on the new national standards and planning rules introduced over the coming years.
So what does all this mean for your property or development?
The reforms are intended to simplify and standardise subdivision requirements, which could potentially create new development opportunities.
Subdivision will remain subject to planning rules and practical constraints, including infrastructure capacity, vehicle access, natural hazards and environmental requirements.
The existing RMA and district plan requirements will continue to apply during the transition, subject to the transitional amendments.
What about “Rezoning” ?
The current Government’s aim is to: “…make development more straightforward and reduce barriers to housing and land use.” As discussed in the NZ Herald article on the proposed overhaul of zoning rules, these changes could influence how land is zoned and what property owners may be able to develop in the future. Rezoning involves changing the designated use of land, such as from rural to residential, potentially creating new development opportunities, however, each property’s potential will still depend on the applicable planning rules, infrastructure, environmental constraints and approval requirements. Understanding all these factors can help support making better informed decisions about land use and property potential.
Importantly, from 1st of January 2028, councils will generally be unable to publicly notify new private plan changes unless a Ministerial exemption is granted.
If you are considering rezoning your property, we are suggesting that early action is now important, but simply lodging a private plan change request before this deadline will not guarantee that it can and will proceed.
What are some changes to consenting requirements?
From 30th of October 2026, amendments to the RMA will limit the matters councils can consider when assessing certain land use consent applications; these changes may simplify the assessment of some proposals and reduce consenting barriers; however, existing district plan rules will continue to apply, and the changes will not benefit every application.
What about infrastructure and development feasibility?
The changes to planning rules will not remove practical development constraints such as wastewater, stormwater, vehicle access or earthworks requirements.
New regional spatial plans will also identify areas for future growth and significant infrastructure needs over the next 30 years or longer.
Seeking advice from a qualified Planner will support understanding of these constraints early, and will remain essential when assessing development feasibility and costs.
So what about your “existing resource consents” … ? Now what?
Your existing resource consents will generally remain valid under the new system, with their conditions continuing to apply.
The legislation also provides for extensions to the expiry dates of certain consents. These extensions do not apply to every consent and do not necessarily extend the timeframe for giving effect to a consent.
We are recommending that landowners seek advice and review their existing consent conditions, expiry dates and lapse periods; support from one of our planners can help with this.
The transition period: what should you be doing now?
With the transition now fully underway, right now is a good time to review your property’s development potential, check those existing resource consent deadlines with your planner and consider whether any rezoning opportunities should be progressed.
For larger developments, understanding how future planning changes and infrastructure requirements could affect a project may make a significant difference to its feasibility, costs and timing, so it’s advised to seek professional advice from one of our planners as soon as you can.
How can RPC – Surveying Planning Engineering help you navigate the RMA Reform changes?
RPC – Surveying Planning Engineering has 50+ years of combined expertise in surveying, planning and engineering; this allows us to assess development opportunities from both a regulatory and practical perspective.
We assist property owners and developers to navigate these RMA Reform changes with professional insights from our qualified planners and cadastral surveyors, providing subdivision feasibility, resource consenting support, rezoning navigation, infrastructure assessments and development planning. You can also learn more here about our services across Surveying, Planning, and Engineering.
If you are considering subdividing? Purchasing development land? Rezoning a property or reviewing an existing consent? Our experienced team can help you understand how these RMA reforms may affect your specific development plans.
Reach out below to discuss your property or project with one of our teams across Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato!
RPC – Surveying Planning Engineering | www.rpc.co.nz | Auckland: (09) 273 7505 | Bay of Plenty: (07) 575 4911
Nicklin CE – Surveying Planning Engineering | www.nicklince.co.nz | Waikato: (07) 827 4945
Disclaimer: Information is current as at 19th of October 2026. This article provides general information and is not legal advice, implementation dates and future national standards may be subject to change.*