What is transitional consenting?

Transitional consenting is the first stage of New Zealand's move to a new planning system. Changes to the RMA have taken 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. For more information on the changes visit planning.govt.nz

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.

What does this mean for applicants?

Transitional consenting changes were applied from 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 have changed with amendments to the Resource Management 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. It is important to understand what the RMA changes are and how they may affect your application. Planning practitioners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new provisions and refer to relevant legislation and central government guidance when preparing and lodging applications. We encourage applicants 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 have taken 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.
For more information on the changes visit planning.govt.nz
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.
Transitional consenting changes were applied from 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 have changed with amendments to the Resource Management 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.
It is important to understand what the RMA changes are and how they may affect your application. Planning practitioners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new provisions and refer to relevant legislation and central government guidance when preparing and lodging applications.
We encourage applicants 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.