Two major pieces of legislation have become law, laying the foundations for a planning system designed to make housing development easier and provide greater certainty for communities, councils, businesses and investors.
The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act form the basis of a new framework that the Government says will also support infrastructure development and more effective environmental management.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the changes would support housing development, renewable energy projects and other essential infrastructure, while improving environmental management.
More consistent rules across the country
One of the central changes is a shift towards making major planning decisions earlier, rather than repeatedly addressing the same questions during individual planning and consent processes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court said nationally consistent standards and long-term regional planning would help clarify where development could occur, what needed protection and which rules would apply.
Under the new framework, each region will eventually have a combined regional plan, incorporating land-use planning, environmental management and a long-term strategy for growth.
Regional spatial plans will look more than 30 years ahead, considering housing, business development, infrastructure, natural hazards and environmental constraints.
The intention is to reduce inconsistencies between councils and give developers greater confidence about what can be built and where.
What the changes could mean for property buyers
For prospective buyers, the reforms could eventually influence where new housing becomes available and how communities develop.
More consistent planning rules may also help developers assess projects with greater certainty, although the new system will take time to implement.
A new Planning Tribunal is scheduled to be established in 2027 to resolve certain planning disputes, replacing existing council-led objection processes.
The planning reforms could eventually create new opportunities for people wanting to build rather than buy an established home.
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