New Planning System
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is being replaced by two new laws, the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act. This page explains what that means if you are applying for a resource consent in the Far North.
What is changing
The new laws will change how land use planning and consenting work across New Zealand. In time, the Far North will have a new plan prepared under the new system, but that is still some years away.
The change does not happen all at once. There is a transition period between the RMA and the new system, which begins on 30 October 2026 and is expected to last for several years.
What stays the same
During the transition period you still apply for resource consent in the same way, and we still process your application under the RMA. Our District Plan rules continue to decide whether you need a consent.
What is different from 30 October 2026
The law narrows the effects we are allowed to consider when we assess an application.
For residential activities, we must disregard effects relating to:
- how much glazing a building has
- whether or not it has balconies
- outdoor living space
- the internal layout of a residential unit
- the size of a residential unit
- the size of landscaped areas, other than for permeability.
These matters can still be considered where historic heritage is involved.
For all applications, we must also disregard:
- trade competition effects, including effects on competing suppliers of goods and services
- effects on retail distribution
- whether there is demand for a project, or whether it is financially viable
- the type of residents who will live in a new development
- views from private property.
If you have already lodged an application
Applications lodged before 30 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the provisions that applied when they were lodged.
If you would prefer your application to be assessed under the new provisions, you will need to withdraw it and lodge a new one. You won’t be required to pay another application fee.
Talk to your agent or the planner processing your application before you decide.
What this means for our District Plans
The Far North currently has two plans, the Operative District Plan and the Proposed District Plan Appeals Version. Some provisions in both will no longer be able to be considered during the transition period. We will publish information showing which provisions are affected.
Some changes to how we assess applications come directly from the new law and will not appear in either plan.
Working with our neighbours
We are working with the other Northland councils so that consenting during the transition period is as consistent as possible across the region.
More information
We will update this page as more information becomes available.
If you have questions, contact our Resource Consents team on duty.planner@fndc.govt.nz