Planning Act 2026

Transitional Consenting Provisions

Commencement of the transition period under the Planning Act 2026 starts on 30 October 2026. Depending on whether applications were logged before or after this date will determine whether the new Act applies.

Applications lodged on/after commencement

Applications lodged on or after the commencement of the transition period under the Planning Act 2026 on 30 October 2026 will have the transitional consenting provisions of the RMA that were introduced by the Planning Act applied. Of note, Council must disregard any relevant matters listed in section 104(1A) when considering the effects of the proposed activity, in relation to both the notification and substantive decisions.

Applications lodged before commencement

Applications lodged before the commencement of the transition period under the Planning Act 2026 on 30 October 2026 will be processed and determined under the RMA provisions in force immediately before the Planning Act received Royal assent [1], and the transitional consenting provisions introduced by that Act do not apply.

[1] Planning Act 2026 Schedule 1, clause 18 Resource consent applications lodged before transition period