Submitting planning documents under Schedule 1

Under Schedule 1 of the RMA, councils are required to consult with the Minister during the development of their regional policy statements, regional and district plans, plan changes and variations (clause 3 consultations). The Minister is also notified on public/limited notification (under clause 5/5A) and when the plan is made operative (under clause 20).

This gives the Ministry/Minister the opportunity to have input into how councils are developing their plans, including responding to national direction, and also to understand the timing of the plan development process.

Proposed plans and plan changes are an important source of information for monitoring the effectiveness of the RMA, legislative reform and how councils are implementing national direction (National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards).

Councils can submit information under Schedule 1 of the RMA by emailing councilplanning@mfe.govt.nz.

Under clause 10 Part 1 Schedule 1 of the RMA, councils must issue their decisions on plans or plan changes within two years of notifying the proposal.

If a current process is likely to be unable to meet that requirement, councils are required to apply to the Minister for the Environment for an extension of time.

Remember to lodge your application before the two-year timeframe is exceeded.

Applications should be lodged by email through councilplanning@mfe.govt.nz.