UDIA Submission on the Planning Bill

The Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) has lodged its submission on the Planning and Natural Environment Bills, with particular emphasis on the Planning Bill and matters relating to urban environments.

UDIA supports the replacement of the Resource Management Act with separate Planning and Natural Environment Acts. The Institute broadly supports the purpose and goals of the Bills. Still, it considers that stronger integration is required to ensure the use and development of land enhances, rather than degrades, built and natural environments.

A central recommendation is that the Planning Bill define a “well-functioning urban environment.” UDIA considers the current drafting insufficient and proposes a definition that includes accessibility, integration of built and natural elements, diversity of housing, context-specific planning, quality public realm, efficient use of land and infrastructure, and climate resilience.

The submission also recommends refining Section 14 (Effects Outside Scope). As drafted, it excludes matters fundamental to achieving well-functioning urban environments, including aspects of building layout, visual effects, residential typologies, and landscape considerations.

UDIA further recommends that legislative change be supported by a detailed implementation plan to enable effective culture change and delivery of the Act’s intended outcomes.

UDIA welcomes ongoing engagement as the Bill progresses through the Select Committee.

Read the full submission here.

UDIA Submission Planning Bill_Feb_2026.pdf

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