RMA National Direction updated
Ten new or amended national direction instruments under the Resource Management Act 1991 will come into effect on 15 January 2026.
The Government has introduced three new instruments and amended seven existing ones, with the aim of making it easier for councils to plan and deliver infrastructure, and to support growth in the primary sector.
All amended and new RMA national direction will have immediate effect under the RMA and will inform the design of the new planning system and, where appropriate, be incorporated into the new system.
- National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land Amendment 2025
- New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Amendment 2025
- National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity Amendment 2025
- National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Amendment 2025
- Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Amendment Regulations 2025
- National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation Amendment 2025
- National Policy Statement for Electricity Networks Amendment 2025
Consultation on proposals to change national direction instruments took place in May–July 2025, with feedback helping to shape the final versions.
The new and amended instruments are designed to operate under the current Resource Management Act but will also guide the future planning system. This update is the first of two tranches, with a second tranche of changes expected to be considered by Cabinet in early 2026. Ministers are still considering changes to freshwater national direction, with announcements yet to be made.
See the consultation for infrastructure, development and primary sector national direction