Dear John,


We’ve just introduced our new planning system through two Bills that will replace the Resource Management Act (RMA).

 

Here's a rundown on how the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill will improve on the previous legislation and outline the different areas that these bills will affect the Selwyn district.


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THE NEW PLANNING SYSTEM

We are lowering the number of consents and the amount of land-use and environmental plans. Creating a clear direction nationally which will improve consistency across the country as well as standardization of zoning – which will make it easier for administration and simpler to understand and work with.


Overall, the new planning system will provide a clear direction from central government which gives an easy-to-understand format. Essentially, we are making it simpler and more affordable to run a farm, build a house, boost infrastructure and productivity, and have a local government system that best serves ratepayers.

 




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FARMING

The key changes for farmers include:


* Less red tape: The new system respects property rights and removes unnecessary rules, meaning fewer resource consents and faster processing times for farmers.

* Simpler rules: Standardised regional rules make compliance easier to know what applies to individual farms.

* Risk-based approach: Lower-risk areas and activities will have fewer requirements, while higher-risk activities will be managed more closely. If an activity has a less than minor impact on others or the environment, it won’t need a consent.

* Access to “relief” if particular planning controls or rules have a big impact on land use.

* Farm plans mean fewer consents: Freshwater farm plans will be a key tool within the new system. These will be flexible and farmer-led, helping farmers identify environmental risks on their farm and then plan practical actions to manage these.

 

For the many farmers who are in limbo between the new system being put to work, we have urgently passed the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill which will automatically extend affected existing or expired consents to 31 December 2031, allowing operations to continue lawfully while the new system beds in.

 

Existing consent expiry dates will be extended to two years after the end of the transition period for the new system. Based on current expectations, this means most consents will be extended to around 2031.

 

New consent applications can still be made during the transition period and will follow a transitional RMA process which includes limits on the test for public notification and the scope of effects that can be considered.


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HOUSING

Selwyn's population and local economy is growing and the housing market has not kept up with demand. I’ve had many concerned locals approach me about the confusion, duplication and cost of current consents. By enabling this growth, the power will be in your hands with a clear national direction.


* Everyone will be able to do more without needing council consent. The new system won’t control for things like the layout of your house, balconies, or private outdoor space, giving people more freedom to use their land how they see fit.

* Getting a consent will be simpler. If you do need a consent, the process will be more straightforward and cheaper. Rules will be clear, in more cases only affected people can take part in the consent process, and a new planning tribunal will help resolve disputes at low cost. 

* Land will be released faster through a mechanism that removes the need for extra plan changes or long consultations where the land has been previously identified as suitable for development.

* Developers will have greater certainty to invest. Long-term spatial plans will show where new housing and infrastructure will go, so developers can plan projects and invest with confidence.

* Subdividing land will be easier. There will be more circumstances where subdivision is allowed – a relief to many lifestyle block owners wanting to subdivide in the future for their family.  


 




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INFRASTRUCTURE AND PRODUCTIVITY

The changes contained in two bills introduced to Parliament today are projected to save $13.3 billion in administrative and compliance costs over the next 30 years and to increase Gross Domestic Product by at least 0.56 per cent annually by 2050 and increasing thereafter.

 

* Long-term spatial plans will show where infrastructure goes. Plans will map out what infrastructure is needed and when, giving councils, developers and investors greater certainty.

* Important sites will be protected early. Land will be secured for roads, schools and utilities sooner through improved designation processes. As Selwyn grows this will be particularly important for our district to ensure we have the critical infrastructure planned ahead of time.

* Significant infrastructure will still be possible in protected areas. Critical infrastructure projects will be allowed to proceed in protected areas when there are no other options.

* Rules will be more consistent. There will be national rules for common activities like earthworks and noise, reducing delays and costs.

 

 To improve living standards and keep pace with other advanced economies, we need to start saying yes to investment, yes to innovation and yes to growth.





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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Environment Canterbury (ECan) will have a significantly reduced role in the new planning system because there will be stronger national direction, more standardisation and more permitted activities. This replaces complexity with clarity, drives down costs and removes uncertainty for everyone.

 

There are currently more than 100 policy statements and plans across 78 local authorities, which are often confusing and duplicative. There will be only 17 regional combined plans, and they’ll take two years to develop, not seven. 

 

Simplifying local government is essential to unlocking the benefits of the new system.

 

This is our opportunity to build a modern planning system that lifts living standards and protects the environment, while also delivering a local government sector that is simpler, more efficient and better value for ratepayers

 

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The Bills were introduced into Parliament yesterday and the Government aims to pass them into law in 2026.


You will have the opportunity to have your say on the legislation as a part of the Select Committee process.

 

This is one of the biggest shake-ups of planning reform we have had as a country, it is critical that we make these changes to best serve Selwyn's future.



Kind regards,



Hon Nicola Grigg

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