Urban Development News from the media | 1 September 2026 | Consultation launched on illustrative National Policy Direction

Consultation launched on illustrative National Policy Direction

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court have launched an illustrative National Policy Direction (NPD) for the new planning system for feedback.

“NPD is what translates the goals of the Planning and Natural Environment Bills into clear directives on national priorities and identifies how key system conflicts should be resolved,” Mr Bishop says.

“Today’s illustrative NPD release responds to the strong interest through Select Committee submissions in how national system instruments would guide how the new planning legislation plays out in communities.

“The illustrative NPD presents draft Government directives across five themes – housing and development, infrastructure, primary production, resources (including quarrying, mining and waste) and public values (including environmental and human health, and indigenous biodiversity) – as well as broader cross-cutting, system-wide directives.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/consultation-launched-illustrative-national-policy-direction

Aucklanders get another say on Plan Change 120

Residents and ratepayers have a new chance to feedback on proposed changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan – the city’s planning rulebook for where and how new homes and businesses can be built, says Auckland Council.

Plan Change 120 (PC120) proposes changes to Auckland’s planning rules that “aim to better protect people and property from floods and other natural hazards, while providing significant capacity for more housing and greater housing choice in well-connected locations”, it says.

PC120 was originally notified in 2025. Following changes to Government legislation that reduced Auckland’s minimum housing capacity requirement from around two million homes to at least 1.4 million, the council has proposed a number of changes to PC120.

An additional submissions period on PC120, including the proposed changes, is open until September 24.

“Submissions are open to anyone,” says the council. “People who submitted previously can make another submission if they wish, and their existing submission will continue to be considered by the Independent Hearings Panel.”

https://www.times.co.nz/business/aucklanders-get-another-say-on-plan-change-120/

Government to cap rates

Council rates increases will be capped at 4 per cent as the Government moves to help keep rates affordable for households and businesses, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

“For too long, ratepayers have been hit with steep and unexpected rates increases, adding pressure to household budgets at a time many New Zealanders are already feeling the squeeze,” Mr Watts says.

“Our Government is focused on easing cost-of-living pressures and getting councils back to basics. 

“Under this legislation, councils will be required to keep annual rates increases within an initial target range of 2-4 per cent, putting a brake on excessive increases and giving ratepayers greater certainty.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-cap-rates

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