As you’ll be aware, three packages of proposed changes to National Direction under the Resource Management Act are now open for feedback. A fourth package is imminent.

RMLA is working alongside the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) to support members to understand and respond to these proposals.

Our approach draws on the strengths of both organisations.

Upcoming events

We will be running a series of joint NZPI–RMLA webinars, as well as one in-person panel event.

First webinar – Overview of all four packages

Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025

Details and registration: NZPI and RMLA will provide a summary of the key changes and explain the consultation process. In total there are 26 different proposals for national direction, including new instruments and changes to existing instruments, across the three topics of infrastructure and development, primary sector, and freshwater.

RMLA members can register below. We will circulate webinar access information to registered members, on Monday 16 June.

Subsequent webinars

A series of follow-up webinars will provide targeted analysis of each of the four packages. These will be delivered jointly with RMLA and NZPI. Details will be communicated in coming days/week.

In-person event – Focus on the Freshwater package

We are planning a live, in-person panel session on the Freshwater package, which will also be livestreamed and recorded. Again, venue and details to follow.

Member resources

We are currently preparing:

• a summary of each National Direction package,

• a comparison with existing national direction instruments,

• a high-level critique,

• an indication of where RMLA may focus its feedback

These will be shared with members in due course.

Next steps

For now, we encourage all members to register for the first NZPI–RMLA webinar on Tuesday 17 June.

Further information and links to resources will be provided via Newsbriefs and direct member emails.