Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill pass Third Reading
Helping shape a simpler, more connected planning system.
The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill have passed their Third Reading in Parliament, marking a major milestone towards replacing the Resource Management Act with a simpler planning system.
The new legislation will create a simpler, faster and more consistent planning system to support housing, infrastructure and economic growth, while helping protect the environment.
It will also give communities, councils, iwi, businesses and investors more certainty about how decisions are made.
The new planning system is part of MCERT’s broader programme of work across the systems that shape New Zealand's cities, regions and environment, including planning, housing, transport and local government.
A key part of the new system is making more of the big decisions up front. It introduces clearer national direction, nationally consistent standards, fewer plans and more strategic decision-making. More than 100 planning documents will be reduced to 16 combined regional plans. Nationally standardised zones and rules will reduce unnecessary variation across the country, while still allowing for local differences.
The new system will be introduced in stages over several years. Existing plans, consents and processes will continue, while new tools, national direction, regional planning arrangements, digital services and support are developed. Some changes are expected from 2026, with the full system intended to be in place by 2030.
Following royal assent, a dedicated planning system website, planning.govt.nz, will become the central source of information, guidance and implementation support as the new system is introduced.
For queries, email planning@mcert.govt.nz.