The Resource Management Act (RMA) sets out the Government’s national rules and policies for councils. These rules are delivered through National Policy Statements (NPS) and National Environmental Standards (NES), which help guide how we manage land use, development and the environment across New Zealand.
National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards
National Policy Statements (NPS) national direction on big, important planning issues of national significance. These instructions help councils across New Zealand make decisions in a similar way.
National Environmental Standards (NES) are Government‑set rules that every council in New Zealand has to follow. With all councils using the same rules, people can expect the same opportunities for development and the same levels of environmental protection no matter where they are in the country.
What do they mean for Council?
When Council writes its planning rules or decides whether to approve a resource consent, we must check the national rules and policies (NPS and NES) and follow the direction set by the Government.
What do they mean for applicants?
Anyone applying for a resource consent must show they’ve checked relevant National Policy Statements (NPS) and National Environmental Standards (NES) as part of the application.
Resource consents
National direction and our District Plan determine if a resource consent is required and guide what Council must consider during the decision‑making process.
Updates on National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards
On 15 January 2026, a group of updated national policy statements and national environmental standards under the RMA came into force. These are listed below, with links to the official government pages.
- National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units
- National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards
- National Policy Statement for Infrastructure
- Amendment to the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land
- Amendment to the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity
Amendment to the National Policty Statement for Freshwater Management - Amendment to the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater
- Amendment to the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement
- Amendment to the NPS for Renewable Electricity Generation
- Amendment to the National Policy Statements for Electricity Networks
Further changes expected in 2026
More national direction is expected later in 2026, including updates to:
- NES for Papakāinga
- Amendment to NES for Telecommunication Facilities
- Amendment to NES for Electricity Transmission Activities
- Amendment to NES for Commercial Forestry
- Amendment to NES for Marine Aquaculture
- Amendment to Resource Management Stock Exclusion Regulations
If you have any questions, please contact our Council Duty Planner on 07 884 0060 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More resources