Transition to the new planning system

New Zealand’s planning system is changing. The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is being replaced by the Planning Act 2026 and the Natural Environment Act 2026. The new system will be introduced in stages, and some changes to resource consent processing will apply from 30 October 2026.

Moving from the RMA to the new planning system

The new legislation will change how land use, development and the natural environment are planned for and managed. Existing RMA plans and consenting processes will remain in place during the transition, with targeted amendments applying while the new system is developed.

The transition will occur over several years. New regional spatial plans, natural environment plans and land use plans will be prepared before the RMA is fully repealed and applications move to the new system.

What changes from 30 October 2026

From 30 October 2026, resource consent applications will continue to be processed under an amended RMA. Key changes include:

• new procedural principles to guide decision-making
• a reduced scope of effects that can be considered for district land use activities
• changes to the public notification test, including removal of the special circumstances test for public notification
• changes to some Medium Density Residential Standards
• new or modified alternative permitted activity pathways.
• Matters outside the scope of some consent assessments
• For district land use activities, the amended RMA limits consideration of certain matters. Depending on the application and the relevant statutory exceptions, these may include:
• for residential activities: glazing, balconies, outdoor living space, internal layout, the size of a residential unit, and landscaped area other than permeability
• negative effects on trade competition and effects on retail distribution
• whether there is demand for a project or whether it is financially viable
• the type of residents who may occupy a development
• views from private property.

Important: Some exceptions apply, including where a matter is relevant to historic heritage. The effect of the transitional provisions will depend on the type of application and the matters requiring consent.

Applications lodged before 30 October 2026

The statutory provisions that apply to an application may depend on when it was lodged and whether it remains an existing application when the transitional changes commence.

If you already have an application with Council, contact the planner processing your application or your planning adviser before making any changes. Council can explain the process that applies to your application, but cannot provide independent legal or planning advice.

Applications lodged from 30 October 2026

Applications lodged from 30 October 2026 will be assessed under the amended RMA and the transitional consenting provisions. The Western Bay of Plenty District Plan will continue to apply, subject to the amended legislation and any other relevant national or regional planning instruments.

What this means for applicants

If you are preparing a resource consent application:

• continue to use the current Western Bay of Plenty District Plan
• check which national and regional planning instruments apply to your proposal
• ensure your assessment of environmental effects addresses the matters Council is legally able to consider
• discuss complex proposals with a suitably qualified planning professional
• contact Council if you are unsure about the application process or information requirements
• check this webpage for updates as further guidance becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Western Bay of Plenty District Plan still apply?

Yes. The District Plan continues to apply during the transition. However, the amended RMA may change which effects or plan matters Council can consider when assessing some resource consent applications.

Do these changes affect building consents?

The transitional consenting changes relate to resource management and resource consent processes. Building consents are processed separately under the Building Act 2004. A project may require both resource consent and building consent.

Will I need to lodge a new resource consent application?

Not necessarily. If you have already lodged an application, contact the planner processing it before withdrawing, replacing or changing it. The appropriate approach will depend on the application and the transitional provisions that apply.

Will all District Plan assessment matters continue to be considered?

Not in every case. From 30 October 2026, the amended RMA places some matters outside the scope of assessment for district land use activities. Council will apply the legislation that is in force when processing each application.

More information

For national guidance about the new planning system and transitional consenting:

Planning.govt.nz: Changes to the RMA

Planning.govt.nz: Transitional consenting guidance

Planning.govt.nz: Key milestones in the transition

Contact Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Phone: 0800 926 732
Email: csplanner@westernbay.govt.nz
Web: westernbay.govt.nz

Page maintenance statement: This webpage will be updated as further legislation and national guidance become available.