On 15 January 2026, ten national direction instruments under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) came into force. These updates included three brand‑new instruments and seven updated versions of existing ones.
These changes take effect immediately and will help shape New Zealand’s future planning system. While they are designed to work under the current RMA, they will also guide how planning is done in the new system being developed.
Why are these changes being made?
The goal is simple: To make it easier for councils to plan, build, and maintain essential infrastructure, and to better support growth in the primary sector.
What’s New?
New National Policy Statements and Standards
National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards 2025
National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (2025)
National Policy Statement for Infrastructure
What’s Been Updated?
Amended National Direction Instruments
New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Amendment 2025
National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land Amendment 2025
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Amendment 2025
National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity Amendment 2025
National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation Amendment 2025
National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Amendment Regulations 2025
National Policy Statement for Electricity Networks Amendment 2025
What’s Next?
This is only the first stage of national direction updates. A second set of changes is expected to go to Cabinet for consideration in early 2026.