What is transitional consenting?

Transitional consenting is the first stage of New Zealand's move to a new planning system. Changes to the RMA will take effect to support the transition from the current planning system to the new system established by the Planning Act 2026. During this transition period, councils will continue to process resource consent applications under the RMA, while applying the changes introduced on 30 October 2026 through the Planning Act.

How is QLDC preparing?

QLDC is preparing for the transition to the new planning system. Our focus is on providing a consistent consenting experience and clear information for applicants, customers and the wider community.

When do the changes start?

The Transitional consenting changes apply from 30 October 2026. The date an application is lodged determines which legislative framework applies. Before 30 October 2026 Applications lodged in our online Community Portal before 30 October 2026 will continue to be processed under the RMA as it applied before the changes made to it by the Planning Act 2026. On or after 30 October 2026 Applications lodged in our online Community Portal on or after 30 October 2026 will be processed under the RMA with the changes made by the Planning Act 2026.

What does this mean for applicants?

Most resource consent applications will continue to follow a familiar process. However, some aspects of consent assessment and decision-making will change from 30 October 2026 by the Planning Act. Depending on the nature of the proposal, these changes may affect how an application is assessed and the matters that can be considered as part of the decision-making process. If you are preparing a resource consent application, it is important to understand which version of the RMA applies to your proposal and to ensure your application contains appropriate information for assessment. If you are unsure how the changes affect your proposal, we encourage you to consult a planning consultant to assist you with preparing your resource consent application .

Where can I find government guidance?

For the latest national information visit: Planning.govt.nz The Government’s planning reform website provides the most up-to-date information about planning reform implementation.

Transitional Consenting

New Zealand's planning system is changing.

The Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026 introduce a new planning framework that will be implemented progressively over the coming years. During this transition period, resource consenting will continue under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The Planning Act 2026 has introduced some changes to the Resource Management Act that will affect the consent process. These changes take effect from 30 October 2026.

The transition to the new planning system will occur over several years. QLDC will continue to update this page as additional guidance and supporting information becomes available.

Transitional consenting is the first stage of New Zealand's move to a new planning system. Changes to the RMA will take effect to support the transition from the current planning system to the new system established by the Planning Act 2026.
During this transition period, councils will continue to process resource consent applications under the RMA, while applying the changes introduced on 30 October 2026 through the Planning Act.
QLDC is preparing for the transition to the new planning system. Our focus is on providing a consistent consenting experience and clear information for applicants, customers and the wider community.
The Transitional consenting changes apply from 30 October 2026.
The date an application is lodged determines which legislative framework applies.
Before 30 October 2026
Applications lodged in our online Community Portal before 30 October 2026 will continue to be processed under the RMA as it applied before the changes made to it by the Planning Act 2026.
On or after 30 October 2026
Applications lodged in our online Community Portal on or after 30 October 2026 will be processed under the RMA with the changes made by the Planning Act 2026.
Most resource consent applications will continue to follow a familiar process.
However, some aspects of consent assessment and decision-making will change from 30 October 2026 by the Planning Act. Depending on the nature of the proposal, these changes may affect how an application is assessed and the matters that can be considered as part of the decision-making process.
If you are preparing a resource consent application, it is important to understand which version of the RMA applies to your proposal and to ensure your application contains appropriate information for assessment. If you are unsure how the changes affect your proposal, we encourage you to consult a planning consultant to assist you with preparing your resource consent application.
For the latest national information visit:
Planning.govt.nz
The Government’s planning reform website provides the most up-to-date information about planning reform implementation.