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National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation

This page provides information on the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation (NPS REG) gazetted on 14 April 2011.

The NPS REG is in effect from 13 May 2011.

Implementation guidance

Implementation guidance is now available to help local authorities with giving effect to the NPS REG in their policy statements and plans.

The guidance provides commentary on each of the preamble, objective and policies and how councils could apply them to their plans and policy statements. It also provides example provisions, including objectives, policies and methods to further assist councils in giving effect to the NPS. It also includes guidance on the monitoring and review requirements of the NPS.

Important information for councils about the immediate effect of the NPS REG

From 13 May 2011, decision-makers on resource consent applications must have regard to the provisions of the NPS, regardless of when the application was lodged.

The NPS requires local authorities, unless they have already provided for renewable electricity generation activities, to give effect to its provisions by notifying changes to existing or proposed regional policy statements and plans by 13 May 2013.

About the NPS REG

The NPS will drive a consistent approach to planning for renewable electricity generation in New Zealand by giving clear government direction on the benefits of renewable electricity generation and requiring all councils to make provision for it in their plans.

The NPS REG works alongside other government initiatives as part of New Zealand’s wider response to tackling climate change.

Application of NPS REG to resource consent applications 

From 13 May 2011 decision-makers on resource consent applications will need to have regard to the provisions of the NPS REG as a result of s 104(1)(b) of the Act, regardless of when the application was lodged. In this respect, the situation is similar to that if a new plan had legal effect or became operative between a resource consent application being lodged and determined (refer section 88A(2) of the Act). Consideration of requirements for designations, heritage orders, and applications for water conservation orders are similarly affected

Amending plans to give effect to NPS REG 2011

Section 55 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (the Act) requires local authorities to amend regional policy statements, proposed regional policy statements, plans, proposed plans, and variations to give effect to any provision in an NPS that affects those documents.

The Act requires the necessary amendments to be made as soon as practicable; or within the time specified in the national policy statement (if any); or before the occurrence of an event specified in the national policy statement (if any) (refer section 55(2D)).

The NPS REG requires regional councils, unless they have already provided for renewable electricity generation activities, to give effect to its provisions by notifying changes to existing or proposed regional policy statements within 24 months of the date on which it takes effect. In the case of regional and district plans, proposed plans or variations, local authorities are required to give effect to its provisions by notifying changes within the following timeframes: 24 months of the date on which this national policy statement  takes effect where the regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement already provides for the policies; or, where a change or variation to the regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement is required, within 12 months of the date on which the change or variation becomes operative.

In respect of proposed plans, changes or variations notified before 13 May 2011 the NPS REG may assist the decision-maker in determining whether a proposed policy statement or plan will achieve the Act’s purpose.

Last updated: 15 November 2011