RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CHANGES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Changes to New Zealand's resource management system are on the way, with the first changes taking effect from 30 October 2026.

The Government has introduced new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). This is in the form of two new acts, the Planning Act 2026 and the Natural Environment Act 2026. These Acts  set out how land and natural resources are managed across New Zealand.

The changes will be introduced gradually over the next few years, so for now, it's largely business as usual.

If you're planning a building project, development or other activity that might need resource consent, you'll still apply to Council in the same way.

However, from 30 October, there will be some minor changes to what councils can consider when assessing certain resource consent applications.

What's changing?

From 30 October 2026, Council must disregard some matters as “out of scope” when considering the effects of a district land use activity.

For residential activities, Council must disregard the following matters, except where they relate to the protection of historic heritage:

• the area of glazing
• the presence or absence of balconies
• outdoor living space
• internal layout
• the size of a residential unit
• the size of landscaped areas, except in relation to permeability.

When considering district land use activities more generally, Council must also disregard:

• negative effects of development on trade competition, including effects on competing providers of goods and services
• effects on retail distribution
• any lack of demand for a project
• the fact that a project is not financially viable
• the type of residents to be housed in a new development
• views from private property. 

The changes are intended to simplify the consenting process by narrowing the matters councils can consider.

What does this mean if you're applying for resource consent?

For most people, the application process won't look any different.

You'll still submit your application to Council, and we'll continue to assess it under the District Plan in accordance with the RMA  while the new system is introduced over time.

If you've already submitted an application before 30 October 2026, it will continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when you lodged it.

Applications lodged from 30 October will be assessed under the amended rules where they apply.

Do I still need resource consent?

Possibly. Our District Plan rules remain in place during the transition, and you'll still need to check whether your project requires resource consent.

Some activities may qualify for a new permitted activity pathway, but this will depend on the details of your project.

Please don't assume you no longer need consent because one of the assessment requirements has changed.

What about existing resource consents?

If you already have resource consent, it remains valid under its existing terms and conditions, unless it is lawfully changed.

The changes don't automatically remove consent conditions. Some consents may be affected by specific legislative provisions relating to their duration, so check with Council if your consent is due to lapse or expire.

Can people still have their say on resource consent applications?

Yes. Public and limited notification will still be possible, and people can continue to make submissions on notified applications.

However, there are changes to the matters Council can consider when deciding whether an application should be notified and when assessing submissions.

What happens next?

Both Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils will continue processing district resource consent applications while the Government introduces the new system.

We're reviewing our District Plans to understand which provisions may be affected and will share further information as the changes are introduced.

Need more information?

If you're planning a project or have questions about an existing application, we encourage you to contact your Council's planning team before making any decisions.

You can also find more information about the reforms on the Government's websites:

·       Planning Act 2026: https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/planning/

·       Natural Environment Act 2026: https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/natural-environment/

·       Government planning information: https://www.planning.govt.nz/

This information is a general guide. Individual projects and consent applications may be affected differently, so we recommend seeking planning advice if you're unsure how the changes apply to you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the Resource Management Act being replaced?

Yes, but not straight away. New legislation has been introduced, but the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) will continue to apply while the new system is rolled out over the next few years.

Do I still apply for resource consent in the same way?

Yes. You can continue applying through Council as usual. The main change from 30 October 2026 is what Council can consider when assessing certain district land-use consent applications.

What if I've already submitted my application?

If you lodged your application before 30 October 2026, it will continue to be assessed under the provisions that applied before the changes.

Applications lodged from 30 October will be subject to the amended rules where relevant.

What will Council no longer be able to consider?

For residential activities, some matters will be excluded, including the size of homes, internal layouts, balconies, outdoor living spaces, glazing and landscaped areas.

There are exceptions for protecting historic heritage and, in the case of landscaping, matters relating to permeability.

For district land-use activities more generally, excluded matters include views from private properties, effects on trade competition and retail distribution, financial viability, demand for a project and the type of residents who may live in a development.

Council will continue considering other relevant environmental effects.

Are District Plan rules changing?

Our District Plans will continue to apply during the transition.

We're reviewing them to identify rules that may be affected by the new legislation.

Does this mean I won't need resource consent?

Not necessarily. Some activities may qualify for a new permitted activity pathway, but this depends on the proposal and the relevant District Plan rules.

We recommend checking with Council before assuming your project no longer needs consent.

Can neighbours and the public still have their say?

Yes. Resource consent applications can still be publicly or limited notified, and people can still make submissions where an application is notified.

However, some matters can no longer be considered as part of the notification and assessment process.

The previous ability to publicly notify an application solely because of special circumstances has also been removed. Other notification pathways remain, including the special circumstances test for limited notification.

Will my existing resource consent change?

Existing resource consents remain valid under their terms and conditions, unless lawfully changed.

Conditions won't automatically be removed or changed because of the new assessment rules.

Will my resource consent last longer?

Some consents may benefit from specific legislative extensions, but not every consent will be extended.

If your consent is due to lapse or expire, contact Council to check what applies to your situation.

Can I apply to change a consent condition?

Yes. Applications to change or cancel consent conditions can still be made under section 127 of the RMA. Any application to change or cancel consent conditions applied for on or after 30 October will be assessed under the new transitional provisions of Section 104 of the Planning Act 2026.

We recommend talking with Council's planning team or seeking independent planning advice before applying.

Do the changes apply to subdivision consents?

The new exclusions under section 104(1A) of the RMA apply to district land-use activities, not subdivision consents.

If your project involves both subdivision and land use, the changes may apply to the land-use part of your application.

Do the changes apply to regional council consents?

No. The new section 104(1A) of the RMA exclusions relate to district land-use activities, not regional resource consents.

Will resource consents be faster or cheaper?

The reforms aim to make the planning system more efficient, but that doesn't necessarily mean every consent will be faster or cheaper.

Both councils will continue processing district resource consent applications during the transition.

Where can I get help?

If you're planning a project, have an application underway or aren't sure how the changes affect you, contact your Council's planning team.

You can also read more at https://www.planning.govt.nz/.

These FAQs are a general guide and are not legal or planning advice. Information may be updated as further guidance becomes available.