Implementing the national policy statement on urban development
The timeframes for councils to implement the NPS-UD vary by policy and by which of the three “tiers” of urban environment the council has jurisdiction over.
Guidance for councils
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) have developed guidance to support councils with jurisdiction over urban environments across New Zealand to meet the requirements of the NPS-UD.
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NPS-UD implementation guidance , opens in a new window
Fact sheets and guidance on what the NPS-UD does and why it is needed.
environment.govt.nz
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Urban development dashboard
The urban development dashboard provides a range of market and price efficiency indicators that help Councils to understand how their local markets are responding to growth.
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NPS UDC development feasibility tool
A model for estimating the feasibility of land of land or building development in local areas.
Excel, 1.1 MB
HUD and MfE have ongoing engagement with councils to provide support on specific areas of implementation and will issue further guidance where a need is identified.
Please note that guidance is for information purposes only and does not have statutory weight.
Implementation timeline
Every tier 1, 2 and 3 council must amend its regional policy statement or district plan to give effect to the provisions of the NPS-UD as soon as practicable. In addition, some policies have specific requirements. The following table shows the timelines for local authorities to meet the requirements.
Initial implementation
Deadline | NPS-UD requirement |
Initial implementation | |
20 August 2020 |
The NPS-UD comes into force, replacing the NPS-UDC. All objectives apply. |
By 31 July 2021 |
Tier 1 and 2 councils have completed the housing assessment aspect of the new HBAs |
Not later than 20 February 2022 (18 months after commencement date) |
Tier 1, 2 and 3 councils have removed provisions in plans relating to minimum parking rates |
Not later than 20 August 2022 (Two years after commencement date) |
Tier 1 and 2 councils have notified plan changes implementing intensification policies Tier 1 councils do this with the incorporation of the MDRS under the Resource Management Act 1991. |
As soon as practicable |
Tier 1, 2 and 3 councils have amended their regional policy statements and district plans to give effect to the NPS-UD. Tier 3 councils have notified plan changes implementing intensification policies |
In time to inform 2024 long-term plans |
Tier 1 and 2 councils have completed HBA Tier 1 and 2 councils have prepared or reviewed FDSs |
Ongoing timeframes
Quarterly |
Tier 1, 2 and 3 councils must monitor housing indicators Tier 1 councils must also monitor development uptake in medium- and high-density zones |
At least annually |
Tier 1, 2 and 3 councils must publish the results of their monitoring |
As soon as practicable and within 12 months of publishing the relevant monitoring report |
Tier 1 councils evaluate zone rules, where uptake is not meeting the development outcomes anticipated and notify plan changes if required |
Every three years |
Tiers 1 and 2 update HBA to inform FDS, long term plan, infrastructure strategies Tiers 1 and 2 update FDSs |
Every six years |
Tiers 1 and 2 prepare new FDS
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Urban environments
Published: December 21, 2021