A further two amended National Direction instruments under the Resource Management Act 1991 will come into force on 7 May 2026. This is in addition to the ten new or amended national direction instruments in force since 15 January 2026
The Government has introduced a further two amended national direction instruments to add to three new and seven amended instruments approved in December 2025. These instruments continue to deliver 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 be restructured and incorporated into the new planning system.
Read the full public notice - December 2025 amendments (PDF, 255KB)
Read the New Zealand Gazette Notice – April 2026 amendments (Gazette website)
Read the EV chargers to roll out faster press release (Beehive website)
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 Resource Management Act. This update is the second tranche of changes with further changes expected to be considered by Cabinet before the end of July 2026.
See the consultation for infrastructure, development and primary sector national direction