Regional Spatial Plans in Aotearoa New Zealand: Strategic opportunities under the new planning system

Aotearoa New Zealand is moving into a new era of planning. With the shift from the Resource Management Act to the new planning framework, growth, infrastructure, and environmental management will be considered in a more connected way. Central to this approach are regional spatial plans, which set long-term priorities and show where development and investment can happen.

Regional spatial plans bring together land use, infrastructure, and environmental considerations into a long-term framework. For developers and infrastructure providers, this offers opportunities to shape projects from the outset. Early engagement in spatial plan development gives insight, aligns projects with regional priorities, and creates clarity for decision-making.

Unlocking the potential

Our role is to help clients navigate this new system, contribute to plan development, and turn spatial plans into practical pathways for growth and investment. We guide clients to make the most of spatial planning opportunities. Our advice identifies where projects fit in emerging plans and national priorities – discussed further below. We prepare submissions and provide representation at hearings at all levels. Our experience in infrastructure and development projects helps clients consider practical factors like timing, funding, and delivery.

We also provide specialist support in ecology, acoustics, contaminated land, climate change, and environmental compliance. With strong council relationships, we help clients engage effectively and contribute to plan development.

A clear framework for planning

The new system has a defined hierarchy. The National Policy Direction sets overall objectives, supported by national standards that provide consistency across all regions and districts. Regional spatial plans translate this strategy into priorities for each region, while land use and natural environment plans implement those priorities on the ground.

This top-down structure gives developers clarity - decisions made at the spatial plan stage influence all future planning and consenting processes, providing a chance to position projects strategically early in the process.

Spatial plans give long-term insight

Regional spatial plans look ahead at least 30 years. They combine environmental, cultural, and infrastructure considerations to give a full picture of regional priorities. Plans map hazards such as flooding, identify future urban development zones, and consider existing and planned infrastructure. They highlight areas where activities need to be separated, areas where environmental limits or protections will apply, priority locations for climate adaptation, and sites of cultural significance, including those important to Māori.

What makes spatial plans especially valuable is that they identify the actions needed to bring priorities to life. Developers can see where growth is anticipated, where certain projects are encouraged, and where infrastructure investment will happen. This turns long-term strategy into real opportunities for development.

Opportunities for developers

Spatial plans carry legal weight, creating practical openings for projects. Developments that are consistent with spatial plan priorities and frameworks are more likely to be classified as permitted or restricted discretionary, which smooths the consenting process. Knowing where growth and infrastructure are planned helps developers make better decisions about site choice, investment, and project design. By translating national priorities into regional guidance, spatial plans will help to create a consistent framework for electricity networks, renewable energy, and other infrastructure projects. Early alignment reduces uncertainty and helps projects progress more efficiently.

Infrastructure and designations

Infrastructure projects also benefit from the new system by being designated. Infrastructure projects of regional or national significance may follow a streamlined designation process where they are identified through a spatial plan. Spatial plans can show both confirmed and indicative designation sites or corridors, thereby establishing the strategic context early. For infrastructure providers, engaging at the spatial planning stage makes later delivery smoother and ensures projects fit within regional priorities.

Transition and timing

The transition to the new system will take place between 2026 and 2029. National policy direction, regional spatial plans, and land use and natural environment plans will be developed in overlapping stages. Early engagement is important because the new system limits appeal pathways compared to the current framework.

Getting involved at the start allows developers to align projects with regional priorities and maximise future development opportunities.

Get in touch with the team for more information on how we can assist.