29/09/2026
The last time New Zealand passed legislation to replace the RMA, it lasted four months.
The RMA replacement Bills passed Parliament on 22 September. As of 29 September, Parliament's records don't show Royal Assent yet. The transition starts one month after assent, so late October 2026 if it happens this month. The government wants the whole system running nationwide by 2030.
A few things worth knowing:
âą For residential RC applications lodged from the start of transition, councils must disregard glazing area, whether balconies are provided, outdoor living space, internal layout, unit size and the size of landscaped areas (except in relation to permeability). There's an exception for historic heritage protection. Building Code requirements still apply.
âą From 1 January 2028 until your region switches over, councils generally can't notify a draft private plan change without a ministerial exemption. If rezoning is part of your plans, note the date. Simply lodging before then won't necessarily avoid the restriction.
âą Once your region switches over, a consent-linked pathway could allow certain changes to land-use plans using standardised provisions. The consent must be given effect to first, followed by a council decision on changing the plan. It's conditional, and not available yet.
The election is on 7 November. The last RMA replacement was repealed four months after becoming law in 2023, and less than a month after the new government took office. We don't know what happens this time, so political uncertainty is part of the picture when planning around these dates.
If these standards are causing issues on your project, it's worth discussing your RC application timing with your planner.
Read the full article: https://www.crestonproperty.co.nz/resources/new-planning-laws-nz-landowners-guide
Creston Property develops, builds and sells residential projects in Auckland - plus feasibility reviews, development management and construction for landowners, investors and developers.