By Kaaren Joubert, Planning Manager, Cato Bolam Consultants.
The Ministry for the Environment has confirmed ten national direction instruments that will take effect on 15 January 2026. For anyone planning projects in the year ahead, these are worth understanding early. They will guide how councils make decisions, how infrastructure is delivered, and how the planning system transitions into its next phase.
What’s being introduced or amended
The package includes three new instruments and seven updates to existing ones:
- Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Regulations 2025
- National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards 2025
- 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 Infrastructure 2025
- National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation Amendment 2025
- National Policy Statement for Electricity Networks Amendment 2025.
These instruments were approved by the Governor-General and publicly notified in December. Full documents and supporting material are available on the Ministry for the Environment website. The material includes the final instruments, explanatory information, and summaries of the submissions.
Why this matters for projects on the ground
From 15 January 2026, councils will need to give effect to these new and amended instruments when assessing plans and consent applications.
For developers and landowners, that can translate into changes in what information is required, what issues get weighted more heavily, and where delays can occur.
Key implications to watch for include:
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Consent pathways and documentation: You may need different supporting assessments, or a sharper focus on matters like hazards, freshwater, biodiversity, coastal effects, and infrastructure alignment.
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Early feasibility and site selection: Some sites may face more scrutiny, or different constraints and opportunities, depending on the instrument that applies.
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Council interpretation and consistency: Implementation will vary by council at first, so early conversations and clear advice can reduce surprises later.
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Granny flats and minor units: The National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units will take effect on 15 January 2026. Read our article on Granny Flats to learn more.
What’s still in progress
Several related workstreams are still underway, including:
- Freshwater national direction: Ministers are considering further changes and will make announcements separately.
- Going for Housing Growth: A summary of submissions on Package 4 will be published once finalised. Feedback from this package will be used to shape the future planning system.
- Integration into the new system: All instruments have been drafted with the intention that they can be carried into the new planning framework where appropriate. This is the first tranche of updates, with a second tranche expected later in 2026.
What this means for your 2026 projects
With the start date locked in for January 15, these changes will likely influence your consent pathways. If you are looking to explore or progress development in early 2026, now is the time to understand how the new policies will apply.
Our team can help you interpret the new direction instruments and map out what they mean for your project for 2026.
