District plan changes proposed for New Plymouth and Wellington

The Government is progressing changes to residential planning controls in New Plymouth and heritage provisions in Wellington, following investigations under the Resource Management Act

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced the packages in October. Both would be implemented through regulations under sections 360I to 360O of the Act, although it’s important to note the announcements do not bring the changes into effect.

Under amendments to the RMA, the minister can investigate and recommend regulations to modify or remove local plan provisions if they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity, or employment.

In New Plymouth, the amendments cover residential development requirements. In Wellington, they concern heritage listings and height controls.

New Plymouth residential controls

The New Plymouth package covers eaves, residential building coverage, outlook space, outdoor living space, disability parking and minimum driveway widths.

It also addresses maximum earthworks cut depths and fill heights, alterations to existing structures, living activities in the Mixed-Use Zone and the definition of the indicative road transport network.

“Planning rules should support growth, enable development and avoid imposing unnecessary costs and delays that hold back investment and jobs,” Bishop said.

The investigation began in February 2026 following a request from New Plymouth’s mayor. Consultation attracted 20 submissions – half supported the amendments, 40% opposed them and 10% were partly supportive and partly opposed.

Regulations are being drafted before returning to Cabinet for approval.

Wellington heritage provisions

In Wellington, the package would remove heritage listings from Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and the former Miramar Installation Bulk Storage Tank.

Height limits for non-heritage buildings within the Courtenay Place Heritage Area would also be modified. The former General Headquarters Building at 213A Taranaki Street would retain its listing.

Bishop said commissioned economic advice estimated the Courtenay Place changes could enable 550 additional apartments, generate around $200 million in construction activity and support approximately 1,100 jobs.

Consultation received 162 submissions. Bishop said Wellington City Council supported all recommendations in the investigation report.