Funding to boost resilient planning system

The Government says New Zealanders will benefit from better information about natural hazard risks, and faster and more consistent planning decisions under major new investment for planning reforms.

Budget 2026 invests $294 million over four years to support the rollout of the Government’s new planning and environmental management system that replaces the Resource Management Act.

Under the new system, councils, planners, infrastructure providers, developers and communities will be able to access more consistent planning information through connected national digital tools and data systems.

The funding will support development of the first New Zealand Flood Map. Over time, this will provide property-level flood risk information to help communities, councils, insurers, and infrastructure providers better understand and manage flood risk.