Staged implementation

The Government is taking a staged approach to the commencement of the new Act to ensure a smooth transition to the new measures.

While most of the changes will commence on 1 March 2018, there will be a number of other changes that will involve further design and consultation.

These new features of the planning system, will commence in a staged manner, as illustrated in the table below:

This will provide time for councils, communities, industry and practitioners to understand and prepare for the new requirements, including by updating their documents and forms to reflect the new structure.

Most of the changes will come into effect from 1 March 2018. Other changes will take longer to switch on and will involve further consultation.

New features such as community participation plans and local strategic planning statements will be introduced over time to ensure all stakeholders can prepare for changes, supported by appropriate guidance, templates and other resources.

This page will be regularly updated with the details of how the staged implementation will be carried out.

To learn more about the changes to the Act see Part 1 - New Objects of the Act.