Chief Freshwater Commissioner and commissioners appointed
A Chief Freshwater Commissioner and five freshwater commissioners have been appointed to complete planning work under the Resource Management Act 1991 during the transition to the new planning system.
New guidance on landscape assessment during planning reform
Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) has released a new Assessment of Landscape Effects Guidance Note addressing the transition to the Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026.
RMA National Direction updated
The Government has introduced a further two amended national direction instruments to add to twelve new and amended instruments approved since December 2025. These instruments continue to deliver the aim of making it easier for councils to plan and deliver infrastructure, and to support growth in the primary sector.
Planning system transformation gateway reports
This package contains documents relating to the planning system transformation gateway reports.
PCE letter to Minister Bishop on urban development and climate
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has written to Housing and Planning Minister, Chris Bishop, urging the Government to consider how its new planning system can support climate-resilient urban development
Achieving competitive urban land markets in new system
The government will establish an independent economic umpire to ensure councils achieve competitive urban land markets through the new planning system.