What does this event cover
The Government has released an illustrative National Policy Direction (NPD) for feedback as part of its reform of New Zealand’s planning system.
While the illustrative NPD is not yet statutory or legally binding, it provides an important indication of how the Government intends national priorities to be expressed under the new system. It also provides an early opportunity for councils and other stakeholders to influence the development of a future proposed NPD before formal statutory consultation occurs.
This webinar will explore:
• where the NPD fits within the new planning system and why it matters
• what the illustrative NPD tells us about the Government’s priorities and intended outcomes
• how the NPD is likely to influence regional spatial planning, future planning instruments and decision-making
• key implementation questions, gaps and potential areas of uncertainty
• practical considerations for councils preparing submissions on the illustrative NPD
• what councils can be doing now to prepare for transition to the new regime.
The session will focus on practical implications for local government, helping attendees understand both the opportunities presented by the current engagement process and the likely significance of the NPD once the new legislation is enacted.
You’ll come away with:
• A clear understanding of what the illustrative NPD is, and what it is not
• A clear understanding of the relationship between the NPD, the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill
• Insight into how the NPD is likely to shape regional spatial plans, land use plans and natural environment plans
• Practical guidance on issues councils may wish to consider when preparing submissions
• An understanding of key implementation challenges and transition issues
• Greater confidence in briefing elected members, leadership teams and colleagues on the implications of the illustrative NPD
• Answers to your questions from experienced advisers who are working closely with local government on planning system reform.
Link to the National Policy Direction consultation: New Zealand’s New Planning System: Testing the approach to National Policy Direction | Ministry for the Environment
Programme overview
Your facilitators and guest speakers
Matt Conway
Matt Conway is an environmental lawyer at Simpson Grierson in Wellington. He advises councils and applicants about environmental policy, consenting and compliance issues, including district and regional plan reviews, roads, prisons, farm discharges, water supply networks, marine consenting, waste water treatment plants, vegetation clearance and child care centres.
He has been involved in hearings before councils, boards of inquiry, decision-making panels, the Waitangi Tribunal, the Environment Court, the Maori Land Court and the High Court.
Hamish Harwood
Hamish is a Senior Associate in Simpson Grierson’s local government and environment group, based in Wellington. He is a specialist local government and resource management lawyer. His practice encompasses all aspects of resource management law. In addition, he regularly advises and represents local authorities in relation to judicial review, compensation disputes, and enforcement matters, including issues relating to: rates and rating valuations, building code compliance, liability issues, natural hazards, compulsory acquisition of property, infrastructure projects and dog control.
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.
