Transitional consenting is on its way — do you feel prepared?

The Government has clearly signalled its intention to get the new Planning System up and running before the General Election this November. The key bills, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, are both at second reading at present (i.e. there’s one more round of the process before Royal Assent and writing them into law).
It makes sense to get started with your Regional Spatial Plan (RSP) as soon as possible. The provisional timeframe calls for these to be ready by mid-2028, and Councils will need to provide robust and efficient new systems by that time. Whether you’re a territorial authority working with other jurisdictions or going forward alone, the task is substantial, and the available time will pass quickly.

The challenges have been discussed extensively, and rightfully so: tight timeframes, staff under pressure, trade-offs over priorities, and remaining uncertainties in the legislation. Councils will need to make important choices quickly, while still documenting decisions clearly and keeping relationships strong across regions.

At the same time, a new system presents us with new opportunities. The RMA has shaped our thinking about planning and the environment for 35 years; this is an opportunity to start thinking in new ways. RSPs, if done right, will enable better alignment and collaboration across Aotearoa New Zealand.

   "Where should growth occur, and what transport investment is needed to support it?"

If you’re not sure where to start, or you just don’t have enough people to hand, we can help. 

The team at ViaStrada are transportation planning and engineering professionals. We’ve worked with territorial, unitary, and regional councils of all sizes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We may be smaller than some consultancies, but that makes us agile, responsive, and practical. We can also partner with trusted land use planning firms where needed, bringing together the right skills to deliver whatever support a council requires. Our expertise includes writing and reviewing transport plans, strategies and policies and running public engagement events.

Whatever the size and shape of your RSP challenge, talk to us for your transportation needs!