What does this event cover

Regional Spatial Planning (RSP) will be a fundamental part of New Zealand’s new planning system, providing a shared long-term framework for growth, infrastructure, transport, natural systems and climate adaptation. It will shape how councils, iwi and Māori, infrastructure providers, the Crown and communities work together to plan for the future. 

As councils begin preparing their 2027–37 Long-Term Plans, understanding the relationship between LTPs and Regional Spatial Planning is becoming increasingly important. Proposed legislative changes will require councils to identify how they will implement or progress Regional Spatial Planning actions they are responsible for delivering, while Spatial Planning Committees must also consider each council’s LTP, infrastructure strategy and financial strategy when developing Regional Spatial Plans. 

This webinar will help you understand what these changes mean in practice and the steps your council can take now to be ready. You’ll gain practical guidance on preparing an RSP-ready LTP, including identifying likely implementation responsibilities, documenting key assumptions, protecting future investment options and establishing a clear pathway for responding once Regional Spatial Plans are adopted. 

Following presentations at 11 regional roadshow events and the Taituarā Community Plan Forum, Simon Markham will update and expand on the latest guidance, incorporating developments through to September 2026. Whether you attended one of those sessions or are joining the discussion for the first time, this webinar will provide valuable insights to support your council’s planning. 

All attendees will receive an updated Regional Spatial Planning Briefing Note, and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss the implications for your council. 

You’ll come away with: 

  • A clear understanding of the relationship between Regional Spatial Planning and your 2027–37 LTP.  
  • Practical advice on what your council should be doing now to prepare.  
  • Insight into proposed legislative requirements and implementation expectations.  
  • An updated briefing note to support ongoing planning within your organisation.  
  • Answers to your questions from one of the sector’s leading experts on Regional Spatial Planning. 

Programme overview

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Your facilitators and guest speakers

Simon Markham

Simon Markham is Managing Director of Simon Markham Consulting Ltd and a senior public policy, local government, and disaster recovery advisor.

He has worked across New Zealand local government for more than three decades, including senior executive roles with city and district Councils.

He has advised councils, CDEM Groups, government and NGO sector organisations on emergency management reform, recovery governance, spatial planning, RMA reform, engagement, and strategic change.

Simon’s work has been recognised through a Civil Defence Emergency Management Ministerial Gold Award and multiple planning and local government excellence awards.

He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, a Life Member of Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa, and serves in governance roles with for-purpose organisations including The Kind Foundation in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Clare Wooding

Clare joined Taituarā in January 2025, as Manager, Sector Readiness. She brings with her the experience and relationships she developed working with the local government sector for more than 10 years at Local Government New Zealand and more recently at the Ministry for the Environment. Her career includes working for several councils in resource management-related roles.

Clare is working in Sector Readiness, focused on resource management reform and elections. She is particularly interested in working with the sector on implementation challenges.

In her free time, Clare enjoys tramping and walking and making the most of her commute from the Kapiti Coast to read.