Changes to the Resource Management Act
Resource consents during the transition
The Resource Management Act (RMA) is being replaced by the Planning Act 2026 and the Natural Environment Act 2026. The new system will be introduced in stages, so the RMA will continue to apply during the transition, with some changes to how councils process applications.
This section explains what the transition means if you hold a resource consent, are applying to replace one, or are planning a new activity.
Environment Southland will keep processing resource consent applications under the RMA and current plans until the new system begins. The transition is expected to continue until 2030. The Government will set the exact transition date later.
If you already have a resource consent
Your existing RMA consent continues during the transition. You must continue to follow its conditions, including any monitoring, reporting or record-keeping requirements.
Over time, existing consents will move into the new system as planning consents, natural resource permits, or both, depending on what they allow.
Could my consent’s expiry date be extended?
Some existing RMA consents that would otherwise expire between 1 October 2026 and two years after the end of the transition period, have been extended until two years after that date.
Consents to take, use, dam or divert water, or discharge contaminants, will only be extended if the total time since the consent began is less than 35 years. Consents for wastewater networks will not be extended, even if they have been in place for less than 35 years. If you are unsure whether your consent will be extended, contact Environment Southland.
When will I know my new expiry date?
The Government has not set the date for the end of the transition period, so the final extended expiry date for an individual consent cannot be confirmed yet. Once this date is set, consent authorities must update their records within three months. We’ll update this page with information about how to check your consent’s expiry date.
If you need to confirm an expiry date for a business or property decision, contact Environment Southland. We may not be able to confirm the final extended date until the Government has set the end date for the transition period.
If you have applied to replace a consent
An extension does not automatically cancel a replacement application that is already being processed. Before withdrawing or changing your application, speak with the Environment Southland officer handling it. Your current consent conditions still apply, and it only authorises the activities it covers.
What should you do now?
- Keep following the conditions of your current consent.
- Check your consent’s expiry date and ask Environment Southland whether an extension applies if you are unsure.
- If you have submitted a resource consent application, contact the officer handling your application before changing or withdrawing it.
- Contact Environment Southland early if you are planning a new activity or a change to an existing one.
Questions?
If you have questions about your specific consent, contact our consents team on 0800 76 88 45 or email service@es.govt.nz.
