Regional spatial planning is a key part of the new planning system, requiring councils to work together on long-term priorities for growth, infrastructure and the environment.
This page brings together practical guidance, templates and resources to help councils prepare for regional spatial planning.
Templates for RSP committees
Taituarā worked with Simpson Grierson to develop two templates to help councils establish the governance and working arrangements needed to develop Regional Spatial Plans (RSPs) under the Planning Act 2026.
-
The process agreement template provides a starting point for agreeing how councils will work together, including roles and responsibilities, decision-making, resourcing, consultation and iwi participation arrangements.
-
The terms of reference template focuses on establishing and operating Regional Spatial Plan Committees, including committee membership, delegated authority, decision-making processes and reporting requirements.
RSP Roadshow 2026
In partnership with NZPI, Taituarā delivered a roadshow around the motu to help build understanding and readiness for regional spatial planning. You can watch the recorded session videos and download briefing notes from the sessions below.
Videos
Hear from Jim Palmer on why regional spatial planning needs to be treated as a strategic priority, with the right leadership, partnerships and resourcing in place from the outset.
Briefing notes
- Briefing Note 1: Working Regionally for Regional Spatial Planning – Issues and Options for Council Managers
- Briefing Note 2: Implications for Council Managers of Head Start for Regional Spatial Planning Readiness
-
Briefing Note 3: Treaty Redress and Iwi/Māori Partnering and Participation in Regional Spatial Planning – What Council Managers Need to Know
-
Briefing Note 4: Process Agreements – What are the requirements and steps in their formation
-
Briefing Note 5: Regional Spatial Plan Committees – Briefing for Managers on Establishment and Operations
-
Briefing Note 6: Establishing a Secretariat – likely options, requirements, and roles
- Briefing Note 7: Change Readiness for Regional Spatial Planning
-
Briefing Note 8: What does RSP mean for Auckland’s spatial planning as a large metropolitan unitary authority?
MCERT have released a first package of technical guidance to support local authorities as they begin preparing for regional spatial planning under the new planning system. Access the guidance here.
