Figure 2: Policy instruments under the Resource Management Act 1991

Central government policy instruments are

• National policy statements
• National environmental standards
• New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

Regional councils have responsibility for soil, water, air, pollution and coasts.  Policies are expressed in the following instruments

• Regional policy statements – integrate across land, air and water management
• Regional plans
• Regional coastal plans

District councils have responsibility for land, subdivision and noise.  Policies are set out in district plans.

Both regional and district councils issues resource consents or permits for water, discharge, land subdivision, and coast.  Decisions on resource consents must reflect any relevant national, regional or district policy instruments.