What is an RPS?

Northland – what will it be like in the future?  Will it be a region that's growing, where we have economic prosperity, resources and special places that future generations continue to treasure?

The new Regional Policy Statement (RPS) is one of the most important planning tools for Northland.  It will set out how our natural and physical resources should be managed – from the mountains to the sea and for the benefit of all Northlanders.

One of the main purposes of the RPS is to provide for the integrated management of Northland's natural and physical resources (land, water, air, soil, minerals, energy, all plants and animals, and all structures).  This means considering the environment as a whole and recognising that changes, or the effects of human activities, in one area or on one resource, can affect other resources.

The RPS guides the development of other plans prepared by the Regional Council, as well as district plans prepared by the Whāngārei, Kaipara and Far North District Councils.

Northland's RPS covers the management of natural and physical resources in the Northland Region, from Kaiwaka in the south, to Cape Reinga in the north, and out to the 12 nautical mile (22.2 km) limit.