National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land

The Government consulted on proposals to prepare or amend national direction, including amending the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL). 

Consultation closed on 27 July 2025. The Recommendations and Decisions Report summarising submissions received, officials' recommendations, and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform's decisions on proposed amendments is now available. 

See the Recommendations and Decisions Report

See the Infrastructure, development and primary sector national direction consultation

The Governor-General, on recommendation from the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform approved amendments to the National Policy Statement on 15 December 2025. These amendments came into force on 15 January 2026. 

Regulatory impact statement

Regulatory impact statement NPS-HPL

The policy provides direction to improve the way highly productive land is managed under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

This is achieved through clear and consistent guidance to councils on how to:

• map and zone highly productive land
• manage the subdivision, use and development of this non-renewable resource.

About the national policy statement for highly productive land [MPI].